Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant (Cavalry)

    Batallion:

    743d Tank Battalion (Separate)

    Division:

    30th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    November 22, 1944

    Headquarters, 30th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 130 (December 21, 1944)

    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 (Cavalry) Clyde S. Thornell (ASN: 0-1014607), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 743d Tank Battalion (Separate), attached to the 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 22 November 1944, in Germany. Second Lieutenant Thornell distinguished himself when his tank was disabled by anti-tank gun fire during an attack on an enemy-held town. Second Lieutenant Thornell and his crew were forced to take cover in a shell crater. While seeking protection from the enemy fire, Second Lieutenant Thornell heard the voice of a wounded infantryman nearby call for help. Ignoring the artillery and sniper fire that fell all around him, Second Lieutenant Thornell crawled to the wounded man, and in full view of the enemy knelt beside him to administer first aid. He then helped the wounded man to stand and assisted him to the safety of a building one hundred and fifty yards away. Second Lieutenant Thornell’s courageous and unselfish action was undoubtedly responsible for saving the man’s life. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Second Lieutenant Thornell, 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.