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Charles Thomas
FULL
MEDAL OF HONOR
CITATION
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Place:
Near
Climbach, France
Date:
Dec. 14, 1944
Rank and organization:
First Lieutenant, Company C, 614th Tank Destroyer
Battalion (Towed), 103rd Infantry Division, U.S. Army |
The
President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, March
3, 1863, has awarded in the name of The Congress the Medal of Honor to
First Lieutenant
UNITED STATES ARMY
*THOMAS, CHARLES L.
Citation: For extraordinary heroism in action on 14 December 1944, near
Climbach, France. While riding in the lead vehicle of a task force organized to
storm and capture the village of Climbach, France, then First Lieutenant
Thomas's armored scout car was subjected to intense enemy artillery,
self-propelled gun, and small arms fire. Although wounded by the initial burst
of hostile fire, Lieutenant Thomas signaled the remainder of the column to halt
and, despite the severity of his wounds, assisted the crew of the wrecked car in
dismounting. Upon leaving the scant protection which the vehicle afforded,
Lieutenant Thomas was again subjected to a hail of enemy fire which inflicted
multiple gunshot wounds in his chest, legs, and left arm. Despite the intense
pain caused by these wounds, Lieutenant Thomas ordered and directed the
dispersion and emplacement of two antitank guns which in a few moments were
promptly and effectively returning the enemy fire. Realizing that he could no
longer remain in command of the platoon, he signaled to the platoon commander to
join him. Lieutenant Thomas then thoroughly oriented him on enemy gun
dispositions and the general situation. Only after he was certain that his
junior officer was in full control of the situation did he permit himself to be
evacuated. First Lieutenant Thomas' outstanding heroism were an inspiration to
his men and exemplify the highest traditions of the Armed Forces.
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