The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Thomas E. Plante (ASN: 0-1050421), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 398th Infantry Regiment, 100th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 16 March 1945, in the vicinity of Bitche, France. When the enemy launched a strong tank-infantry counterattack, the weapons platoon under Lieutenant Plante’s command took refuge in a nearby building. One hostile tank approached the building, firing cannon and machine guns at point blank range. When two rocket rounds fired at the tank missed their mark, Lieutenant Plante seized the rocket launcher, ran toward the armored vehicle and disabled it with a third round. He then attempted to hurl a phosphorous grenade into the tank, but was mortally wounded by machine gun fire. Second Lieutenant Plante’s extremely courageous actions prevented many casualties and live as an inspiration to his men. His extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 100th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.