The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Thomas L. O’Connor, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving in the North African Theater of Action on 31 March 1943. While under heavy enemy artillery and anti-aircraft fire, Private First Class O’Connor assisted in extinguishing two fired in tank destroyers and was instrumental in destruction of two enemy gun emplacements, one artillery piece and several machine gun nests. Realizing that the tank destroyer was a new weapon and that it must not fall into enemy hands, Private First Class O’Connor stood by his piece until it had withdrawn to friendly territory. 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, his unit, and the United States Army.