(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Sergeant Thomas Michael Weems, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 14 January 1945, in Belgium. After an enemy counterattack by tanks and infantry was halted, one of the tanks, although immobilized, was still delivering heavy fire. Staff Sergeant Welch and a comrade, after two attempts, made their way to within thirty feet of the tank and Staff Sergeant Welch sprayed the tank with burning liquid and his comrade threw a phosphorous grenade which did not ignite. Under heavy machine gun fire they withdrew and approached the tank from another directed and subjected it to such intense fire from rifle grenades and armor piercing bullets that the enemy crew was driven from the tank. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Staff Sergeant Welch, 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.