The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Leo E. Thomas (ASN: 0-1306768), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 35th Infantry Division, in action in the ****, France, on 29 September 1944. As he moved through the **** ahead of his platoon, Lieutenant Thomas encountered a group of Germans who demanded his surrender. Lieutenant Thomas fired into the group, dropped to the ground, and ordered his platoon to deploy. Strong forces of the enemy opened fire, causing casualties among members of the platoon. Despite the grave personal danger, Lieutenant Thomas quickly organized his platoon into a skirmish line and closed with the enemy. Throughout the action he moved among his troops giving encouragement and directing their movement, despite the fact that he was subjected to aimed fire. The attack was so effective that more than twenty Germans were captured and the remainder killed. The gallantry, aggressive leadership, unswerving devotion to duty, and high order of personal bravery displayed by Lieutenant Thomas reflect the highest credit upon his character as an officer and leader of men.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Leo E. Thomas (ASN: 0-1306768), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 35th Infantry Division, in action near ****, France on 8 November 1944. When the advance of the assault platoons of his company was halted by enemy machine gun fire, Lieutenant Thomas, a platoon leader, voluntarily went forward alone to silence the hostile gun. Working his way to within a few yards of the enemy position, Lieutenant Thomas killed one member of the gun crew and wounded another with his carbine. Exposing himself with utter disregard for his personal safety, he then threw a hand grenade and captured the enemy weapon together with seven Germans before they had a chance to recover from the effect of the missile. Although he was wounded in the action, Lieutenant Thomas continued with his mission until its successful completion. His magnificent display of courage and outstanding devotion to duty are in accord with the military traditions of the United States and reflect high credit upon Lieutenant Thomas’ character as an officer.