The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technician Fifth Grade Thomas D. Sanders (ASN: 36694507), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 119th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 10 October 1944, in Germany. When the enemy launched a powerful counterattack which threatened to overrun positions defended by his machine gun platoon, Technician Fifth Grade Sanders volunteered to obtain friendly support. He courageously made his way across four hundred and fifty yards of terrain which was swept by enemy mortar, artillery, and machine gun fire and made contact with a tank unit, which he led back to his platoon. Technician Fifth Grade Sanders gallant action was largely responsible for the enemy withdrawing, after having suffered severe casualties. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Technician Fifth Grade Sanders, 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.