The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private Thomas E. Lane (ASN: 18083351), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company I, 3d Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 9 July 1943, in Sicily. Private Lane, with utter disregard for his personal safety, provided water to the soldiers of his company during the hours of **** – ****. During most of this time he was exposed to heavy machine gun and small arms fire of the enemy and was sniped upon on many occasions. 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.