The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technician Fourth Grade Albert O. Thomas (ASN: 33441487), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 702d Tank Battalion, 80th Infantry Division, in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 22 February 1945 in Germany. In a duel with a more heavily armed German tank on 22 February 1945, near Lahr, Germany, the tank in which Technician Fourth Grade Thomas served as driver was disabled by a direct hit which killed two of the crew, wounded the loader, and stunned Technician Fourth Grade Thomas. Despite his shocked condition and the severe enemy fire striking the tank he climbed to the rear deck and after extracting the wounded loader from the turret, carried him to safety. The courage, bravery, and tenacious devotion to duty displayed by Technician Fourth Grade Thomas were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.