Thomas Sydenham Witherspoon, II

Lieutenant Colonel, U. S. Marine Corps

Silver Star

GENERAL ORDERS:
Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 19654
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Thomas S. Witherspoon (MCSN: 0-11107), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of Company K, Third Battalion, Twenty-fifth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division in action against Japanese forces on Tinian, Marianas Islands on the night of 24 July 1944.
When his company was subjected to a desperate hostile counter attack by a numerically superior force, Captain Witherspoon skillfully deployed his men and weapons to inflict heavy casualties on the enemy and to repulse the hostile forces.
Although his company suffered many casualties he courageously reorganized his men and weapons and despite continuing enemy artillery and mortar fire, personally led his group in repulsing a second and heavier Japanese attack.
By his able leadership, determination and aggressive fighting spirit, Captain Witherspoon upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.