Unit/Command: Company B, 149th Infantry, 38th Infantry Division
Military Service Branch: U.S. Army
Medal of Honor Action Date: April 22, 1945
Medal of Honor Action Place: Zambales Mountains, Luzon, Philippine Islands
Citation
He was a member of the leading squad of Company B, which was attacking along a narrow, wooded ridge. The enemy, strongly entrenched in camouflaged emplacements on the hill beyond, directed heavy fire and hurled explosive charges on the attacking riflemen. Pfc. Thomas, an automatic rifleman, was struck by one of these charges, which blew off both his legs below the knees. He refused medical aid and evacuation, and continued to fire at the enemy until his weapon was put out of action by an enemy bullet. Still refusing aid, he threw his last two grenades. He destroyed three of the enemy after suffering the wounds from which he died later that day. The effective fire of Pfc. Thomas prevented the repulse of his platoon and assured the capture of the hostile position. His magnificent courage and heroic devotion to duty provided a lasting inspiration for his comrades.
Additional Details
Accredited to: Ypsilanti, Washtenaw County, Michigan
Awarded Posthumously: Yes
Born: January 13, 1923, Wynne, Cross County, AR, United States