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 (Field Artillery) Thomas P. Cheney, Jr. (ASN: 0-419085), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters Battery, 7th Field Artillery Battalion, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in North Africa and Sicily, during the period from March to August 1943. When two men had been severely wounded and imprisoned beneath an overturned vehicle, Lieutenant Cheney exposed himself to heavy enemy fire and the imminent danger of explosion of the fuel tank and rescued the injured men. His coolness and courage under fire inspired he men of his battalion. Lieutenant Cheney’s 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.