Pollard, Thomas David, LtCol

                  THOMAS D POLLARD

                      MARINE CORPS

For service as set forth in the following:

CITATION:

(Citation Needed)-SYNOPSIS: Thomas D Pollard (MCSN: 289992), United States Marine Corps, was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action at Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands on October 8, 1942.





                            NAVY CROSS

                       FIRST LIEUTENANT 

                     THOMAS D POLLARD

                MARINE CORPS RESERVE

CITATION:

The President Of the United Statesof Americatakes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant Thomas D Pollard, United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company D, First Raider Battalion in action against the enemy at Enogai Point, New Georgia, Solomon Islands on 7, 8, 10, and 20 july 1943. He is credited with shooting four enemy snipes who were concealed in trees. Two days later his platoon was ordered to flank hostile machine-gun positions which held up the advance of two companies. Lieutenant Pollard led his platoon through the jungle to the enemy's flank and rear, knockes their gun positions out of action, killed many enemy and drove others into the sea. He then continued to lead the advance to the beach near Enogai Point where two machine- guns were captured.In later attacks against well entrenched forces defending Bairoko, his platoon penetrated enemy positions and advanced to within 200 yards of the harbor which was defended by a concentration of 90-mm mortar fire. The outstanding heroism and skill displayed by First Lieuentant Pollard on this occasion reflect highest credit upon himself andd the Armed Forces of the United States.