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 Charles Thomas (ASN: 36877414), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the Medical Detachment, 45th Infantry Division, in action on 22 October 1944, near Fremifontaine, France. The platoon to which Private Thomas was attached as Aid Man launched an attack across open terrain bordering the Mortagne river. As the platoon approached the river, it received heavy mortar and small arms fire which inflicted many casualties. Private Thomas immediately went to the aid of the wounded men, crawling beneath the cross fire of enemy machine guns, moved from man to man, caring for each, until his medical supplies were exhausted. He then remained in the exposed area comforting the wounded until nightfall. Under cover of darkness he carried one wounded man back to safety, then returned to the position with litter squads to evacuate the remainder. Private Thomas’ gallant devotion to duty reflects high credit upon himself and his organization.