(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Field Artillery) Joel Furman Thomason, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 29th Field Artillery Battalion, 45th Infantry Division, in action during the capture od Cherbourg, France, in 1944. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Major Thomason, 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.