The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private Thomas Joseph Jordan, Jr. (ASN: 32850517), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 141st Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Italy, on 21 December 1943. During an attack by his Infantry company on Hill 730, Private Jordan, ammunition carrier in a mortar squad, advanced toward designated mortar positions carrying essential ammunition for the weapons he served. When he reached an exposed part of the route he was informed by a guide that he would soon come under enemy observation and be subjected to direct, aimed machine gun fire and mortar and artillery shelling, but he continued to advance. He reached a trail that was severed by accurate fire from enemy machine guns. Realizing the importance of getting ammunition to a mortar that might lay necessary fire on the enemy, he went ahead. By short rushes and judicious use of the meager cover available he advanced, constantly checking his ammunition bag against loss in the rugged terrain. A hundred yards down the exposed trail he was hit by an enemy bullet and died while trying to accomplish his mission. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.