Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry), [then Major]

    Regiment:

    21st Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    24th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    May 4 – 13, 1945

    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 Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry), [then Major] Tom W. Suber, United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of the 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, in action near Mintel, Mindanao, Philippine Islands, from 4 May to 13 May 1945. Lieutenant Colonel Suber exhibited exceptional ability and qualities of leadership in commanding his battalion. While attacking up the road toward Mintel, the enemy had superior observation from a hill outside the battalion sector to the right flank. From this high ground, the enemy constantly subjected the troops to mortar, automatic weapons, artillery and anti-tank fire. Through the skillful tactical disposition of his men, Lieutenant Colonel Suber kept casualties at a minimum while continuing to drive forward. During the attack he was constantly with the front line rifle companies, under enemy observation, often subjecting himself to small arms and mortar fire in order to maintain complete control of his troops. His extreme coolness under fire, even while members of his command group were wounded around him, his disregard for his own personal safety, and his determination to accomplish his mission, gave his officers and men complete confidence in his leadership. His tactical decisions were always sound and well directed. On 25 May 1945, while with one of his assault companies, Lieutenant Colonel Suber was wounded three times by an enemy machine gun. Some of his men attempted to evacuate him but he would not permit them to submit themselves to the fire, and dragged himself to safety even though seriously injured and in great pain. Lieutenant Colonel Suber’s courage, determination and devotion to duty are a credit to himself and the military service.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    21st Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    24th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    November 5 & 6, 1944

    Headquarters, 24th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 16 (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 Captain (Infantry) Tom W. Suber, United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of the 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, in action on 5 and 6 November 1944. About noon, on 5 November, a group of artillery observers were besieged by the enemy at an observation post situated on a ridge. As Commanding Officer of the advance guard company of an Infantry Battalion, Captain Suber led the attack against the enemy, personally participating with the assault elements. His prompt and energetic action and his fearless leadership undoubtedly saved the lives of the artillery observers. Captain Suber’s company occupied and organized the defense of the ridge. The enemy attacked the company’s perimeter once during the day, and three times during the night. Due to his organizational ability and his timely use of counterattack, his company succeeded in repelling the enemy attacks. The perimeter was subjected to almost continual fire by enemy automatic weapons, knee mortars, and artillery. Despite the enemy fire, Captain Suber exposed himself time after time observing the situation and visiting and encouraging his men. Captain Suber’s courage was a source of inspiration to all members of his command and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.