Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    7th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    April 27, 1945

    Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 366 (October 2, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private Thomas J. McCann (ASN: 20224166), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Germany. On 27 April 1945, Private McCann, a radio operator, was voluntarily investigating terrain near Langwold, Germany, he drew fire from ten Germans in one of a row of caves. With bullets hitting all around him, he crawled to a boulder 25 yards from the cave. Discovering that it was not a suitable firing position, he ran through fire to a mound of earth almost directly in front of the enemy position. Firing his carbine into the cave, he wounded one of the enemy and caused the rest to surrender. From a captive, he learned that 22 other Germans were hiding in the next cave, and he persuaded these to surrender, thus bringing his prisoner total to 32. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private McCann, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.