The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Air Corps) Joseph A. Thomas (ASN: 0-21569), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber of the 97th Bombardment Group (Heavy), EIGHTH Air Force. Major Thomas demonstrated extraordinary skill, gallantry, and leadership In action over enemy-occupied territory in North Africa during the period from 18 January 1943 to 30 January 1943. During this period Major Thomas, as Squadron Commander and at great personal risk, led three high-altitude daylight bombardment missions, all resulting in heavy loss to the enemy. On each occasion Major Thomas’ skill as a pilot and ability as a flight leader enabled him to lead his flight over the target and to bomb accurately important enemy military installations, despite intense barrages of enemy anti-aircraft fire. Constant and repeated attacks by enemy fighter planes met with skillful evasive action on the mart of Major Thomas; and, as flight leader, he maintained under difficult conditions of flight formation capable of concentrated fire. The result thereof was the destruction of four enemy aircraft and the probable destruction of four enemy aircraft, along with the probable destruction of four enemy aircraft, at the loss of only one of our aircraft. By his courage and coolness when subjected to intense barrages of enemy anti-aircraft fire and the repeated attacks of enemy fighter planes, together with the superior leadership and marked ability as a pilot and flight leader, Major Thomas has served the armed forces and his country galanty and well; and his brave deeds have furthered their aims and ideals. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Major 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 Air Forces.