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.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Leo E. Thomas (ASN: 0-1306768), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 35th Infantry Division, in action of ****, France, on 9 August 1944. Lieutenant Thomas was in command of a weapons platoon and Acting Executive Officer for Company L, *** Infantry Regiment, when it was surrounded by enemy forces and subjected to concentrations of enemy fire of all types. With complete disregard for personal safety, Lieutenant Thomas crossed a field under heavy enemy fire and established contact with a rifle platoon of his company, at the same time directing the fire of his own weapons platoon. He maintained liaison between the two platoons, enabling the company to consolidate its position and repulse the enemy counterattack. The intrepid courage, skillful leadership, and disregard for personal safety on the part of Lieutenant Thomas reflects great credit upon himself and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.