The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Gene F. Thomas (MCSN: 1302413), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company G, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on the night of 16 December 1952. When his fire team was assigned the mission of covering the operations of a flame thrower in the assault of an enemy trench line, Private First Class Thomas fearlessly advanced to the hostile position in the face of devastating machine gun, grenade, automatic weapons and small arms fire. With all of his comrades severely wounded by the enemy fire, he unhesitatingly moved forward alone and delivered killing fire into the hostile positions, permitting the flame thrower to pour its deadly fire on the entrenched enemy. Observing that the flame thrower operator was seriously wounded and unable to move during the withdrawal, Private First Class Thomas crawled through a heavy volume of grenade fire to the aid of his comrade and succeeded in removing him to a safe position. By his aggressive fighting spirit, courageous initiative and selfless devotion to duty, Private First Class Thomas served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Private First ClassBatallion:
3d BattalionRegiment:
1st MarinesDivision:
1st Marine Division (Rein.)Action Date:
March 29 – 30, 1953
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Private First Class Gene F. Thomas (MCSN: 1302413), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Fire Team Leader of Company G, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on the night of 29 – 30 March 1953. Occupying a vital outpost far forward of the main line of resistance when the enemy launched a vicious assault on the position, Private First Class Thomas continually moved through the fire-swept trenches, shouting words of encouragement to his comrades and supplying them with ammunition and grenades. Although painfully burned when a white phosphorous grenade exploded near him, he continued to direct and inspire his men. While administering medical aid to a stricken comrade, he was thrown to the ground by the explosion of enemy concussion grenades, but stubbornly regained his footing and assisted the wounded man until a Corpsman arrived to relieve him. Only after he was assured that all the other casualties had been cared for would he accept medical treatment for his own wounds. By his outstanding leadership, indomitable courage and gallant devotion to duty, Private First Class Thomas served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.