The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant Thomas F. Crabtree (ASN: 6831163), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 313th Infantry Regiment, 79th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 13 July 1944 in France. When his company was halted by enemy machine gun fire emanating from concealed positions in thick hedgerows, Sergeant Crabtree led a patrol to locate and neutralize the enemy positions. As the patrol neared the enemy Sergeant Crabtree suffered wounds in both legs from machine gun fire. Despite the fact that he was painfully wounded and unable to move, he located his objective and successfully directed heavy machine gun fire against the enemy, forcing the abandonment of the concealed emplacements and permitting the advance to proceed. For his determination and courage Sergeant Crabtree reflects highest credit on himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.