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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant (Air Service) Thomas Gantz Cassady, United States Army Air Service, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 28th Aero Squadron, 3d Pursuit Group, U.S. Army Air Service, A.E.F., near Fismes, 29 May 1918, and near Epieds, France, 5 June 1918. On 29 May 1918, Lieutenant Cassady, single-handed, attacked an LVG. German plane which crashed near Fismes. On 5 June 1918, as patrol leader of five spades, while being attacked by 12 German Fokkers, he brought down one of the enemy planes near Epieds and by his dash and courage broke the enemy formation.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Service

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Service)

    Batallion:

    28th Aero Squadron

    Regiment:

    3d Pursuit Group

    Division:

    American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    August 15, 1918
    War Department, General Orders No. 138 (1918)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant (Air Service) Thomas Gantz Cassady, United States Army Air Service, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 28th Aero Squadron, 3d Pursuit Group, U.S. Army Air Service, A.E.F., on 15 August 1918, near St. Maire. While in action as protection for a Salmson, First Lieutenant Cassady was attacked by seven Fokkers, two of which he brought down and enabled the Salmson to accomplish its mission and return safely.

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain

    Division:

    Prisoner of War

    Action Date:

    1942 – 1944

    Captain Thomas Gantz Cassady, United States Army, was detained by German forces while serving with the Office of Strategic Services in France during World War II, and was held as a Prisoner of War until his subsequent release from captivity in 1944.