The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Thomas M. Burriss (ASN: 0-401623), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company I, 3d Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 20 September 1944, near ****, Holland. Captain Burriss, Company Commander, crossed the Waal River in the first assault wave, and in spite of heavy artillery, mortar, 20-mm., and small arms fire, continued to maintain perfect control of his men throughout the 200 yard crossing. With complete disregard for his safety, he exposed himself to the heavy automatic fire sweeping the river by constantly gesturing and yelling to his men in the other boats, guiding them to the most advantageous position on the north bank of the river. Having reached the shore, Captain Burriss hurriedly and effectively organized his remaining men and pushed off to the initial objective. Constantly at the head of his troops in a 4,000 yard advance which necessitated numerous rushes from objective to objective in open terrain covered by continuous fire, Captain Burriss pushed on to secure the north end of **** Bridge. With a force of 30 men he seized the bridge approach protected by approximately 100 Germans and succeeded in holding it for 30 minutes against repeated counterattacks until British armored elements crossed and strengthened his hold on the objective. Captain Burriss’ fearless leadership is indicative of great personal bravery and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the Allied Airborne Forces.