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 Edwin R. Thomas (ASN: 42007790), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 117th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 14 July 1944, in France. Although he knew that he would be slowing his pace, Staff Sergeant Thomas gallantly carried a wounded comrade through intense artillery fire to safety. Despite the enemy fire coming so close that his rifle was destroyed and he was hurled to the ground and had his helmet cut on another occasion, he refused to relinquish his burden but continued to carry his comrade through the concentration. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Staff Sergeant Thomas, 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.