The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Private First Class Laben E. Thomas (ASN: 6583345), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company L, 3d Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Germany, on 24 March 1945. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Private First Class [then Private]Batallion:
3d BattalionRegiment:
18th Infantry RegimentDivision:
1st Infantry DivisionAction Date:
World War II
Headquarters, 1st Infantry Division, General Orders No. 39 (August 14, 1943)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class [then Private] Laben E. Thomas (ASN: 6583345), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company L, 3d Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in North Africa and Sicily, during the period from March through July 1943. When a member of his platoon had fallen in an exposed position during an attack on a strategic enemy strongpoint, Private Thomas returned under heavy enemy fire and successfully evacuated him. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.