Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Robert W. Thomas, Jr. (ASN: 0-527455), United States Army, for heroic achievement in connection with military operations in Germany on 27 November 1944. On 27 November 1944 Lieutenant Thomas’ machine gun platoon was in support of a rifle company in its attack on a strongly fortified enemy position. The company encountered heavy mortar fire, resulting in the supporting rifle platoon losing its leader. Upon realizing the situation, Lieutenant Thomas immediately assumed leadership of the supporting rifle platoon, reorganized it, and led it forward. After advancing a short distance heavy mortar and small arms fire was again encountered from enemy positions on both flanks, but Lieutenant Thomas, at great risk to his life, exposed himself to enemy fire in order to encourage and again reorganize the advance. Reaching the rest of the company, Lieutenant Thomas set up his guns and led the rifle platoon in an enveloping movement that quickly dispersed the enemy and resulted in the capture of several enemy soldiers and attaining the objective. His initiative, courage, and voluntary assumption of additional duties is in keeping with the finest traditions of the armed forces and reflects the highest credit on Lieutenant Thomas and the military service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    414th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    104th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    March 3 & 4, 1945
    Headquarters, 104th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 162 (1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Robert W. Thomas, Jr. (ASN: 0-527455), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company D, 414th Infantry Regiment, 104th Infantry Division, in Germany on 3 and 4 March 1945. After two attempts to capture a hill had been repulsed with heavy losses to the assaulting infantry, Lieutenant Thomas led his machine gun platoon to a position of cover below the hill. He then unhesitatingly reconnoitered a route to the top of the hill. Returning, he led his men skillfully and boldly to the summit despite heavy enemy fire. Placing his guns in position, he poured such devastating fire on the enemy that the riflemen assaulting frontally were able to gain their objective with comparative ease. Lieutenant Thomas then assumed control of the entire assault by exposing himself to the hail of fire to contact each platoon leader, coordinate their movements, and secure the position with minimum losses. The courage and gallantry displayed by Lieutenant Thomas exemplify the finest traditions of the American officer and combat leader.