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.