Medal of Honor Citation

(COPY) 357-2 THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON The President of the United States takes pride in awarding the MEDAL OF HONOR posthumously to MAJOR THOMAS B. McGUIRE, JR., AIR CORPS, UNITED STATES ARMY for service as set forth in the following CITATION: "Major McGuire, fought with conspicuous gallantry and in- trepidity over Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 25 and 26 December 1944. Voluntarily, he led a squadron of fifteen P-38s as top cover for heavy bombers striking Mabalacat Airdrome, where his for- mation was attacked by twenty aggressive Japanese fighters. In the ensuing action he repeatedly flew to the aid of embattled com- rades, driving off enemy assaults while himself under attack and at times outnumbered three to one and, even after his guns jammed, continuing the fight by forcing a hostile plane into his wingman's line of fire. Before he started back to his base, he had shot down three Zeros. The next day he again volunteered to lead escort fighters on a mission to strongly-defended Clark Field. During the resultant engagement he again exposed himself to attacks so that he might rescue a crippled bomber. In rapid succession he shot down one enemy aircraft, parried the attack of four enemy fighters, one of which he shot down, single-handedly engaged three more Japanese, destroying one, and then shot down still another, his thirty-eighth victory in aerial combat. On 7 January 1945, while leading a voluntary fighter sweep over Negros Island, he risked an extremely hazardous maneuver at low altitude in an attempt to save a fellow flyer from attack, crashed, and was re- ported missing in action. With gallant initiative, deep and un- selfîsh concern for the safety of others, and heroic determination to destroy the enemy at all costs, Major McGuire set an inspiring example in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service." HARRY S. TRUMAN Signed 5/7/46 Siven to Calonel marlin 5/7/46