The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Thomas E. Sheppard (ASN: 35070076), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 254th Infantry Regiment, 63d Infantry Division, in action on 9 April 1945, in the vicinity of Buehloff, Germany. When Company F, 2d Battalion, 254th Infantry Regiment was ambushed by a group of enemy, Private First Class Sheppard, his gunner seriously wounded, took the gunner’s position and methodically fired upon the enemy. Private First Class Sheppard, though wounded in the chest and shoulder, continued to repulse enemy charges until superior enemy fire literally blasted him away from his gun, causing his death. The intrepidity with which Private First Class Sheppard performed this heroic act was an inspiration to all those under him. The magnificent courage and outstanding gallantry under fire of Private First Class Sheppard reflect the highest credit upon himself and are in keeping with the finest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.