Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Soldier’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Corps of Engineers)

    Batallion:

    111th Engineer Combat Battalion

    Division:

    36th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    August 15, 1944

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier’s Medal to Captain (Corps of Engineers) Thomas Brown Gautier, Jr., United States Army, for heroism on 15 August 1944 in France. In the invasion of Southern France, a large landing craft approaching the coast was struck squarely by an enemy glider bomb. The seriously damaged vessel, loaded with heavy artillery, ammunition and personnel, drifted ashore in flames and the ammunition began to explode. Although the personnel of headquarters and service company had been moved inland from the beach to escape the hurtling shell fragments, Captain Gautier and some companions returned to the shore near the burning ship and began rescue work. Aware of the desperate plight of the men who had been forced to abandon the craft by leaping overboard into the water, the rescue party worked indefatigably until midnight, swimming alongside the shop and dragging the men ashore. As the injured men were brought to the beach they were carried to a place of safety and given first aid treatment. Captain Gautier and his companions did not cease their unselfish and hazardous work until they had saved 75 men from drowning and had treated another 15 for burns, wounds and shock.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Corps of Engineers)

    Batallion:

    111th Engineer Combat Battalion

    Division:

    36th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    December 7, 1944

    Headquarters, 36th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 38 (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 Captain (Corps of Engineers) Thomas Brown Gautier, Jr., United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters & Service Company, 111th Engineer Combat Battalion, 36th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy near Selestat, France, on 7 December 1944. When the bridge spanning a creek was demolished, Captain Gautier was assigned the mission of selecting a new site for a vehicle bridge to be erected over the creek. Given the choice of making the reconnaissance by plane or by vehicle, he decided to travel by vehicle in order to obtain more detailed information. Upon nearing the creek bank, he dismounted and started to cross an open filed toward the blown bridge. Knowing that the terrain might be mined, he unselfishly refused to let his two men accompany him to the creek. As he reached the bank, he stepped on a hidden anti-personnel mine and was mortally wounded by the explosion. His heroic sacrifice inspired his men to complete the mission and obtain the vital information. 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.