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 Eugene P. Thomas (ASN: RA-13141852), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company L, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 20 May 1951 in the vicinity of Pung-chon-ni, Korea. On that day his unit was in defensive positions on Hill 737 awaiting an expected enemy counterattack. As the enemy attack began, Sergeant Thomas, a squad leader, directed the fire of his squad with such deadly effect that the enemy force suffered numerous casualties. As a result of the intense enemy attack, the platoon’s ammunition supply ran out. Sergeant Thomas, disregarding enemy fire, hurried to the supply point and personally carried ammunition to the platoon’s machine gunner. During the intense fire fight one of the men in Sergeant Thomas’ squad was wounded and unable to move. Disregarding personal safety, he rushed to the man’s side and carried him to a place where he could receive medical aid. He then returned to his position where he held off the enemy with devastating rifle fire until he was wounded in the leg. He refused to be evacuated until all the other wounded had been carried to safety. Sergeant Thomas’ devotion to duty and gallantry in action reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.