The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Thomas James Bartley Shanley (ASN: 0-21828), United States Army, for gallantry in action one mile west of ****, France, between 6 June and 10 June 1944. Lieutenant Colonel Shanley, Commanding the 2d Battalion, 808th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, dropped by parachute north of Pont l’Abbe and assembled approximately 400 officers and men within enemy positions. Despite continuous activity of static and mobile anti-airborne enemy landing groups supported by artillery, mortars and numerous machine guns placed at strategic points, he seized Hill 30 west of the Merderet River. Lacking artillery and with only such equipment, supplies and ammunition as could be recovered from the DZ, Lieutenant Colonel Shanley organized and conducted such an aggressive defense of Hill 30 that continually mounting counter-attacks by numerically superior enemy forced failed to penetrated his defenses during the five days prior to relieve by other United States forces. Lieutenant Colonel Shanley’s own will to resist at all cost, and his personal indifference to the hazards of the position were the prime factors in its successful defense. He distinguished himself throughout this period by extraordinary heroism involving risk of life beyond the call of duty. His superb courage in the exercise of outstanding leadership in a critical situation inspired and encouraged all who shared danger to emulate his example in the execution of an extremely difficult and hazardous mission. He was directly responsible for the immobilization of considerable enemy strength which might have been used to imperil the successful operations of other airborne elements east of the Merderet River. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Lieutenant Colonel Shanley, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.