The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Infantry). [then Staff Sergeant] Lawrence O. Thomas (ASN: 0-200677), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company G, 411th Infantry Regiment, 103d Infantry Division. On 15 December 1944 in the vicinity of *****, a patrol led by Lieutenant Thomas was fired upon by enemy riflemen from a well dug in position. Lieutenant Thomas crawled forward alone, threw a hand grenade, wounding one of the enemy and forcing two others to surrender. Deploying a newly arrive squad, he led them forward in an attack routing approximately thirty enemy troops. Returning to his company which was now under enemy mortar and artillery fire, he led a platoon, in the face of continuous enemy fire, capturing a hostile observation post thereby securing a safe for his battalion. Lieutenant Thomas’ actions reflected the highest traditions of the military service.