The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Sergeant Thomas J. Dawson (ASN: 32120265), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company C, 19th Tank Battalion, 9th Armored Division, in action against enemy forces on 28 December 1944, in Belgium. During fierce action near Sibret, Belgium, the tank commanded by Sergeant Dawson was hit and set on fire. The sergeant dismounted and fought the blaze even though he was completely exposed to intense enemy artillery, machine gun and small arms fire. Failing to bring the fire under control, he courageously remounted the tank and succeeded in extricating two of the crew members through the front hatches even though machine gun and anti-tank fire was striking the vehicle all about him. In a final courageous effort to rescue the remaining crew members he climbed to the turret, but as he lowered himself into the burning tank the enemy scored two direct artillery hits and he was killed. Sergeant Dawson nobly gave his life for his comrades and his courage and complete devotion to duty live on as a constant inspiration to those with whom he served. Sergeant Dawson’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 9th Armored Division, and the United States Army.