Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    11th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    5th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    September 8 – 10, 1944

    Headquarters, 5th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 43 (1944)

    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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Thomas J. Cullison (ASN: 0-1318765), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 11th Infantry Regiment, 5th Infantry Division, from 8 to 10 September 1944, near Dornot, France. Lieutenant Cullison was a platoon leader with a forward element of our bridgehead forces that successfully repulsed numerous enemy counterattacks upon their position. When it became vitally necessary for Lieutenant Cullison to withdraw his platoon across the Moselle River for the purpose of reorganization due to numerical superiority of the enemy forces he labored unceasingly with untiring energy to effectuate and organize an orderly evacuation of his forces. Lieutenant Cullison then directed the evacuation of our personnel to the west bank of the Moselle River with the use of assault boats. Lieutenant Cullison himself completely fatigued by his efforts and the strenuous ordeal elected to swim across the river in order that more enlisted men could make use of the available assault boats and thereby enable them to cross to the friendly banks of the Moselle River. Lieutenant Cullison by his courageous act and every thought and deep concern for his men failed to negotiate the opposite bank of the river. Lieutenant Cullison’s intrepid leadership, his bravery and deep devotion to duty, his gallant conduct reflects the greatest credit on himself and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.