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 (Infantry) Dalton J. Thibodeaux (ASN: 0-1289340), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 117th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 4 October 1944, in Germany. First Lieutenant Thibodeaux was serving as a Platoon Leader during the time that his Infantry unit had been depleted by severe enemy counterattacks. During early morning hours, a determined enemy counterattack supported by tanks was launched. First Lieutenant Thibodeaux rallied his platoon and fought off the enemy for five hours until reinforcements arrived. He exposed himself constantly to direct small arms fire and tank fire in an effort to accomplish the utmost in destroying the enemy, going from squad to squad to organize coordinated fire. His outstanding bravery and inspiring example to his men were determining factors in the successful repulsing of the numerically superior enemy force. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Thibodeaux, 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.