Navy Federal Credit Union

Herbert Thomas was killed in action in February 1945, six months after he earned the Distinguished Service Cross. His brother Lieutenant Colonel Julian Thomas, serving as a fighter pilot with the U.S. Army Air Forces, was killed in action six months after Herbert during an air mission over Japan in July 1945. The two brothers were buried next to each other at Golden Gate National Cemetery.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    503d Parachute Infantry Regiment (Separate)

    Action Date:

    July 13, 1944

    Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the Far East, General Orders No. 124 (November 24, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Sergeant Herbert Avery Thomas (ASN: 6548603), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 503d Parachute Infantry Regiment (Separate), in action against enemy forces at Noemfoor Island, Dutch New Guinea, on 13 July 1944. Sergeant Thomas led his squad to strengthen the exposed flank of his company’s position, toward which the enemy was pouring a heavy and well-directed volume of fire. In the close range, heavy sustained fire fight that ensued, enemy fire was so intense that all his men were killed or wounded except two, one of whom he sent to apprise the commander of the situation and the other to secure himself a weapon. Alone, with ammunition gathered from dead and wounded, Sergeant Thomas maintained a rapid and accurate volume of fire which materially reduced enemy action. When one of his men returned, he took the opportunity to evacuate a seriously wounded comrade. Returned to his battle location, he resumed the fire fight until the enemy was forced to withdraw. Later, an enemy machine gun and fourteen enemy dead were found before his position. Sergeant Thomas, by his heroic stand, enabled his company to deploy its forces and defeat the enemy in the area. Sergeant Thomas’ extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.