Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Thomas
Edward
deShazo
1901-05-06

–

1979-05-16

Born:

Shelby County

, 

Alabama

Home:

Monterallo

, 

Alabama

Buried: 

Arlington

, 

Virginia

Cemetery:

Arlington National Cemetery

Thomas deShazo graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1926. He retired with disability in 1963 as a U.S. Army Major General.

Awards Received

  • Army Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Major General

    Division:

    3d Army

    Action Date:

    November 1951 – April 1960
    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 14 (May 25, 1960)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Major General Thomas Edward deShazo (ASN: 0-16479), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in duties of great responsibility from November 1951 to April 1960, culminating as Commanding General, THIRD Army, from 1959 to 1961. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General deShazo and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel (Field Artillery)

    Regiment:

    6th Field Artillery Group

    Action Date:

    1940 – 1944
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel (Field Artillery) Thomas Edward deShazo (ASN: 0-16479), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer, 6th Field Artillery Group, from 1940 to 1944. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel deShazo and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army.

  • Army Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Brigadier General

    Regiment:

    Division Artillery

    Division:

    2d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    October 1 – September 25, 1951
    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 91 (October 24, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Brigadier General Thomas Edward deShazo (ASN: 0-16479), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility as Commanding General, Division Artillery, 2d Infantry Division, in Korea during the period 1 October to 25 September 1951. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General deShazo and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army. (This award supersedes the award of the Legion of Merit (First Oak Leaf Cluster) to Brigadier General deShazo, for meritorious service from 1 October 1950 to 31 January 1951, published in General Orders 150, Headquarters, Far East Command, 7 June 1951.)

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel (Field Artillery)

    Regiment:

    Division Artillery

    Division:

    2d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    May 24, 1951
    Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 139 (June 8, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Colonel (Field Artillery) Thomas Edward deShazo (ASN: 0-16479), United States Army, for gallantry in action as Commanding Officer, Division Artillery, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 24 May 1951 in the vicinity of Choltul, Korea. Colonel deShazo was proceeding northward with an armored task force organized by the Division Commander to effect a thirty mile penetration into enemy–held territory to cut off the remnants of three enemy corps which had just been defeated by the 2d Infantry Division. At a point along the narrow, winding read where intense enemy artillery, mortar and automatic weapons fire halted the column near a defile, Colonel deShazo, with complete disregard for his own safety, moved to the head of the column in an unarmed vehicle to lead the advance. Later, in the face of a sharp firefight and intense enemy artillery and mortar fire, he succeeded again in keeping the column moving by organizing the lead elements and encouraging the men to put forth their greatest efforts. The outstanding courage and leadership demonstrated by Colonel deShazo resulted in the successful accomplishment of the mission. The gallant conduct displayed by Colonel deShazo reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.