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 Staff Sergeant Thomas E. Stewart, Jr. (ASN: 55608392), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 16 November 1944, in Germany. A large scale attack was being made against an enemy who had had sufficient time to dig in extensively and bring up quantities of artillery to help them in their defense. The success of the attack depended on pressing forward rapidly and taking the objective before the enemy could bring effective artillery fire to bear on them. During the assault, personally led by Staff Sergeant Stewart, enemy fire became intense, and the impetus of the attack was in danger of being lost. At this point, Staff Sergeant Stewart was mortally wounded and fell. As he lay dying on the battlefield his last act was to continue waving the men forward. Inspired by his courage, the men captured the objective in rapid time. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Staff Sergeant Stewart, (December 19, 1944) in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.