Thomas M. Horne

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Thomas M. Horne (0-18113), First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism as a Platoon Leader, attached to the Fourth Tank Battalion, Fourth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Marianas Group, from 15 June to 9 July 1944. Skillful and aggressive, First Lieutenant Horne led a two-tank assault upon three enemy dual-purpose gun emplacements and, rapidly maneuvering under heavy hostile fire, approached to within thirty yards of the positions and put two of the guns out of action before his tank was rendered immobile. Undaunted by the increased danger of his position, he blazed away at the third gun until the seventh hit sustained by his vehicle set fire to the equipment in the turret. Ordering his crew to abandon the tank, he courageously remained to extinguish the fire and then, in the face of Japanese small-arms fire, boldly led his men five hundred yards to the safety of our lines. Instantly mounting another tank, he returned to the front, completing the destruction of the remaining gun positions and annihilating the gun crews. His inspiring leadership, determined perseverance and great personal valor in the face of grave peril reflect the highest credit upon First Lieutenant Horne and the United States Naval Service.

SPOT AWARD, Commander in Chief, Pacific Forces: Serial 12079