The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Chief Warrant Officer William Edwin Thomas, Jr., United States Marine Corps, for meritorious service while interned as a Prisoner of War in Southeast Asia from May 1972 to March 1973. Under harsh conditions, Chief Warrant Officer Thomas consistently resisted the efforts of his captors to obtain information or propaganda from him, thus conducting himself in strict accordance with the Code of Conduct and policies of the prisoner organization. Demonstrating his loyalty, professionalism, and devotion to the United States, Chief Warrant Officer Thomas reflected great credit upon himself, the Marine Corps, and the United States Naval Service. (Chief Warrant Officer Thomas is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)