The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant First Class Thomas J. Sonia (ASN: RA-6142904), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Battery A, 10th Field Artillery, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On the night of 28 – 29 November 1950, near Sachang-ni, Korea, Sergeant Sonia was Chief of 4th Howitzer Section of his unit attached to and furnishing artillery support to first battalion combat team, 7th Infantry Regiment. On 28 November 1950, the enemy artillery and mortar shells knocked out the Battery Fire Direction Center and all communications. Enemy fire into the artillery positions from the surrounding ridges occupied by the enemy was heavy and a penetration of the perimeter defense had been made in an attempt to neutralize the artillery support. To effectively direct fire of his howitzer Sergeant Sonia, with utter disregard for his personal safety, exposed himself to enemy mortar, machine gun, and small arms fire. He remained erect beside his piece during the action for a period of five hours directing fire. The initiative and resourcefulness and heroism of Sergeant Sonia in the absence of control resulted in the continued deliverance of extremely effective artillery fire credited by the Infantry Battalion Commander as a major factor in repelling the enemy. The outstanding valor displayed by Sergeant Sonia reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.