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 Private First Class Jack Thomas, Sr. (ASN: 34743054), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 60th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, in connection with military operations against an armed enemy in Germany. On 9 April 1945, during action near Harzgerode, Germany, Private First Class Thomas courageously led his squad on a mission to knock out an enemy tank providing heavy caliber support for a hostile road block. Skillfully directing the deployment and firing of his squad he advanced upon the enemy position and hurled two hand grenades, wounding several hostile soldiers. When two of his men manning a rocket launcher were wounded he picked up the weapon and launched two rockets at the enemy, preventing them from manning the tank. This gallant soldier then picked up one of the rocket launching team who was seriously wounded and with utter disregard for the intense small arms and automatic weapons fire, carried his comrade to safety. Private Thomas’ heroic leadership and unflinching devotion to duty are in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service.