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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Evert Spencer Thomas, Jr. (ASN: 0-272485), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 1st Battalion, 66th Infantry Regiment, 71st Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in Austria. On 2 May 1945, Colonel Thomas’ battalion was given the mission of capturing intact a dam situated on the Inn River near Obehmberg, Austria. To prevent the enemy from destroying the dam before his men could secure it, he ran forward across heavily mined fields and braving intense hostile machine gun and small arms fire, located and cut the wires leading to electrical charges with which the enemy intended to demolish the dam. He then returned to his unit and fearlessly led his men in a successful attack on the vital installation. Colonel Thomas’ courageous actions and unswerving devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    66th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    71st Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    May 1, 1945
    Headquarters, 71st Infantry Division, General Orders No. 71 (1945)

    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) Evert S. Thomas, Jr. (ASN: 0-272485), United States Army, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving with the 1st Battalion, 66th Infantry Regiment, 71st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 1 May 1945, in the vicinity of Prann, Germany. When the advance of Company A, 1st Battalion, was held up by intense machine gun and small arms fire, Lieutenant Colonel Thomas rushed to the front of the company encouraging the men to follow him. Lieutenant Colonel Thomas fired his pistol at the enemy as he advanced. When his ammunition supply became exhausted, Lieutenant Colonel Thomas ran to the position of a wounded man, seized his rifle and continued the advance. Lieutenant Colonel Thomas’ extreme courage so inspired the company that they charged the enemy positions, killing forty-seven Germans, wounding eleven, and capturing one hundred ninety-six others. Lieutenant Colonel has sparked and led the company in an attack which overwhelmed the enemy, seizing intact their objective, a bridge across the Ait Vile River, and capturing the commanding terrain which dominated the area.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Action Date:

    March 15 – July 27, 1954

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel Evert S. Thomas, Jr. (ASN: 0272485), United States Army, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in Korea from 15 March to 27 July 1954.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Brigadier General

    Action Date:

    August 1959 – December 1963
    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 3 (January 28, 1964)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Brigadier General Evert S. Thomas, Jr. (ASN: 0-272485), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States during the period August 1959 to December 1963, as Deputy Commanding General, United States Army Armor Center, and later as Commanding General, United States Army Training Center, Armor, Fort Knox, Kentucky. In each of these highly responsible command positions, General Thomas demonstrated decisive leadership, sound judgment, professional competence, and administrative excellence. His firm guidance, broad knowledge and unique ability to plan, organize, and direct resulted in the smooth and orderly administration of all activities within the areas of his responsibility. He ably directed the implementation of significant management procedures and training programs, and maintained the highest standards of operational efficiency and combat readiness during a period characterized by a major reorganization of the command and compounded by international crises. By his mature judgment, friendly spirit of cooperation, and active participation in numerous local welfare and community projects, he fostered a harmonious relationship between the military establishment and the surrounding communities which greatly enhanced the prestige of the United States Army. His extensive military experience, professional acumen, and dedicated devotion to duty were constantly directed in the best interests of the military service and contributed materially to the accomplishment of important military objectives. General Thomas’ distinguished performance of duty throughout this period represents outstanding achievement in the most cherished traditions of the United States Army and reflects the utmost credit upon himself and the military service.