Thomas Mac Horne
Colonel, U. S. Marine Corps
Navy Cross and Silver Star
GENERAL ORDERS:
SPOT AWARD, Commander in Chief Pacific Forces: Serial 12079
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to First Lieutenant Thomas M. Horne (MCSN: 0-18113), United States 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.
GENERAL ORDERS:
Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 42755
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Thomas M. Horne (MCSN: 0-18113), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Leader of Company B, Fourth Tank Battalion, FOURTH Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands from 19 February to 16 March 1945.
After seeing two of his tanks damaged behind enemy lines by hostile anti-tank gun fire on 25 February and realizing that further movement of the vehicles was impossible because of the nature of the terrain, First Lieutenant Horne voluntarily left his tank and, preceding his unit on foot, courageously led them over the hazardous area to our own lines. Returning to the front lines on foot, he continued to coordinate tank fire in support of our forces in capturing this vital Pacific Island. By his leadership and aggressive fighting spirit, First Lieutenant Horne upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.