The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Thomas E. Steele (ASN: 34443757), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 119th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division on 11 July 1944, in France. On the above date, a platoon of six enemy tanks, supported by infantry, crossed the Vire River behind our lines with the probable mission of attacking our rear positions or spearheading a flanking attack on our rear areas. When the tanks approached unmolested to within 100 yards of the battalion command post they were discovered by the guard, who awoke Sergeant Steele. Sergeant Steele immediately moved to the gun nearest the enemy and fired at them. He then manned a machine gun on a vehicle just behind the anti-tank gun and sprayed the enemy infantry with automatic fire. At this point another tank appeared and destroyed the gun and destroyed the approaching tank. These heroic actions performed by Sergeant Steele were done entirely without other assistance. The personal bravery, initiative, and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Steele reflect the highest credit on himself and the Armed Forces.