The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Thorntlen F. Brummitt (ASN: 37343831), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company L, 3d Battalion, 180th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 14 May 1944 near Careno, Italy. Accompanied by a guide who had knowledge of enemy minefields, Private First Class Brummitt led his squad on a night combat patrol. Entering the minefield before the enemy position, the guide stepped on a personnel mine and became a casualty. Although warned that the pattern of the minefield had been changed and that he should turn back, Private First Class Brummitt refused and, cautioning his squad to remain where it was, entered the minefield to mark a path for his patrol. Crawling on his hand and knees, Private First Class Brummitt searched the ground and marked each detonator with white paper. Having marked a path, he signaled his squad to come through. The first two men came through safely, but the next man set off a mine and was wounded. Private First Class was last seen as he re-entered the minefield to help the wounded soldier. Private First Class Brummitt’s courage and devotion to duty reflect the high traditions of the Army of the United States.



