The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Cavalry) Thompson L. Raney (ASN: 0-1030291), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 823d Tank Destroyer Battalion, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 24 August 1944, in France. While serving as a Platoon Leader in the reconnaissance section, First Lieutenant Raney was assisting the establishment of a command post in a town believed to have been previously cleared of the enemy. When he entered the town, he found the enemy there in considerable strength. Although the fire power at his disposal was considerably less than that of the enemy, he attacked aggressively and maneuvered his men so skillfully that he and his comrades took the town in a short time, after killing two of the enemy and capturing sixty others. The bravery, aggressive determination, and exemplary leadership exhibited by First Lieutenant Raney reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Armed Forces.