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 Thomas R. Heaton (ASN: 15313316), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 222d Infantry Regiment, 42d Infantry Division. On 20 February 1945, Sergeant Heaton was a member of an eight-man patrol which was sent to gain important information regarding enemy dispositions in the area northeast of Kohlhutte, France. Observing a number of enemy soldiers around a machine gun position Sergeant Heaton and the other members of the patrol decided to attack the position. As his patrol approached, the enemy opened up with small arms fire. The patrol returned the fire and advanced to within twenty-five yards of the position. After knocking out the machine gun and killing eight of the enemy, of which he personally accounted for several, Sergeant Heaton and the other members of the patrol skillfully withdrew and returned without loss. The following night, Sergeant Heaton led the patrol to the same enemy position. After killing three Germans who attacked them, they knocked out another machine gun emplacement, which they grenaded. During the course of the fire fight, Sergeant Heaton personally killed six of the enemy. After reassembling the patrol and discovering that one of the men was left behind, he returned alone to the top of the hill and in spite of severe enemy fire, brought the wounded man in. His courageous acts were largely responsible for a number of enemy casualties, the knocking out of several enemy machine guns, and saving the life of one of his man.