The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Major Thomas J. Myers (MCSN: 0-6705), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer of the First Battalion, Twenty-Second Marines, SIXTH Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, from 1 April to 15 May 1945. A brilliant and courageous leader, Major Myers personally directed his battalion on several difficult and extremely dangerous missions, often-times through rough terrain, and was instrumental in clearing the area of strong hostile positions and well-concealed Japanese snipers, and in seizing large enemy bivouac areas. On 10 May, observing that his battalion was suddenly subjected to intense enemy artillery and mortar fire, which compelled withdrawal after a rapid advance across the Asa Kawa River and toward the high ground to the front, he personally went forward through the heavy barrage of fire and, skillfully reorganizing the battalion, inspired his men to continue the attack and retake and hold the objective, thus enabling the adjacent units to advance. By his skillful tactics, gallant leadership and determined efforts, Major Myers contributed materially to the prompt and efficient completion of all his battalion assignments. His steadfast devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.