The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technician Fifth Grade Thomas J. Cronkhite, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with 71st Cavalry Reconnaissance Troop (Mechanized), 71st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 24 March 1945, in the vicinity of Mechtershiem, Germany. Technician Fifth Grade Cronkhite, gunner in the platoon leader’s armored car, observed the men in the point vehicle dismount and open upon the enemy on the right flank. Because of limited vision in the turret, Technician Fifth Grade Cronkhite was not able to give the men the necessary protection. Climbing quickly from the turret to the back of the armored car, he loaded the .50 caliber machine gun and prepared to fire. Immediately he was fired on by enemy small arms fire from all directions. Without hesitation, Technician Fifth Grade Cronkhite traversed the machine gun in such a manner that he brought fire to bear on all enemy positions until his ammunition was exhausted. As he reached for another box of ammunition he was wounded in the back twice and the impact knocked him from his vehicle. With utter disregard for his own wounds he climbed to the turret and opened fire on the advancing enemy until he collapsed from loss of blood. By his heroic action the men in the point were able to gain cover and the armored car withdrew to safety without further casualty. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Technician Fifth Grade Cronkhite, 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.