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 Technician Fifth Grade Thomas W. Otis (ASN: 31317826), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company C, 150th Engineer Combat Battalion, XII Corps, in action against an armed enemy on 29 March 1945, in Germany. Company C of the 150th Engineer Combat Battalion, in close support of the 90th Infantry Division, had the mission of making the initial assault crossing of the Maine River in the vicinity of Rumponholm, Germany. Technician Fifth Grade Otis was regularly assigned as heavy truck driver in the company, but in this capacity would not be required in the operation. He therefore volunteered to command the lading assault boat in the first wave. As the boat neared the middle of the river a heavy barrage of mortar and small arms fire rained down on the party seriously wounding Technician Fifth Grade Otis in the neck. Realizing the importance of his position of lead boat, Technician Fifth Grade Otis continued to paddle and give orders to his crew, coordinating the movements of the boats following. When his boat reached the shore successfully, Technician Fifth Grade Otis climbed out and removed himself from the path of infantrymen who were going ashore to take up their positions, and then collapsed from exhaustion and loss of blood. The gallant actions and heroic determination to complete his mission despite being seriously wounded reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.