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 Corporal Thomas M. Dobbs, United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy on 27 September 1944, near *****, Holland. During the defense of the ****** Bridgehead in Holland, the patrolling activity of frontline troops played an important part in securing the bridgehead from enemy attack. Corporal Dobbs, Acting Squad Leader, Company A, 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, volunteered for numerous patrols conducted against the enemy during the period that his battalion was on line. On 27 September 1944, near *****, Holland, Corporal Dobbs had volunteered for a patrol whose mission was to lay anti-tank mines on a road behind the German lines that was used as a supply route for front line enemy troops. Corporal Dobbs, exercising great caution moved his patrol through the enemy lines and began laying mines. During the process of laying the mines, his patrol was discovered by the enemy and a heavy artillery concentration killed two and wounded several of his men. At this critical stage, control of the men was imperative. Corporal Dobbs, by his superior leadership ability and by his movements through the artillery barrage from one man to the next, gained control of his men, quieted them down, and had them complete the mission they were assigned to do. The group completed laying mines in the prone position and upon returning with his patrol to the MLR, Corporal Dobbs could not contact medical aid to return after his wounded men. He quickly organized a volunteer group of four men, moved back across the field where artillery fire was still falling, found three seriously wounded men and moved them back to evacuation channels. During this entire action, Corporal Dobbs was admired by his men for his gallant manner of performance in carrying out his mission under very hazardous and confused circumstances and displaying utter disregard for his own personal safety in considering the safety of his men above his own. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, 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.