The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Colonel (Field Artillery) Thomas S. Gunby (ASN: 0-11395), United States Army, for gallantry in action near Wesel, Germany, on the night of 24 – 25 March 1945. Colonel Gunby, while Executive Officer, 17th Airborne Division, volunteered and was given permission to visit the artillery units of the 17th Airborne Division, despite the known presence of groups of enemy troops, tanks, and mines in the area at the time. Traversing terrain and roads unfamiliar to him, he succeeded in reaching the three artillery battalions, which had not been physically contacted by Division Artillery Headquarters since the glider and parachute landing made during daylight on 24 March, consulted with each commander, and finally returned to the artillery command post about dawn 25 March. Colonel Gunby’s gallant action, made without regard for his own safety and with full knowledge of the risks involved, resulted in the close coordination of supporting fires during the first critical night in Germany and aided greatly in the prompt displacement forward of the field artillery battalions on the following day.