The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Thomas McPeters (ASN: 3783804), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with the 24th Infantry Division at Leyte, Philippine Islands, during the period 26 October 1944 to 5 November 1944. Sergeant McPeters, mine platoon squad leader, was a member of a regiment that advanced some thirty miles from the vicinity of Palo to Pinamopoan. The enemy, fighting a bitter retrograde action, heavily mined the route of advance. Sergeant McPeters, accompanied by his platoon leader, disarmed over two hundred anti-tank and anti-personnel mines during this advance. This was accomplished in most instances under the automatic and small arms fire of the enemy. On 27 October 1944, he assisted in removing a demolition arrangement located under an ammunition dump. This charge was activated by an intricate system of pull wires and pressure release firing devices, calling for extraordinary coolness and a thorough knowledge of enemy equipment. Enemy machine gun fire further complicated this dangerous assignment. That same day, he again assisted his platoon leader in the removal of demolition charges under the Mainit River Bridge. This bridge was subjected to intense hostile automatic fire at the time, and it therefore required the highest courage on the part of Sergeant McPeters to complete this task. During the entire regimental advance, he repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire while carrying out his duties. The high degree of courage and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant McPeters, reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.