Silver Star Medal Citation

Second Lieutenant Leo E. Thomas, O1306768, Infantry, United States Army, for gallantry in action in the vicinity of ***, France, on 9 August 1944. Lieutenant Thomas was in command of a weapons platoon and Acting Executive Officer for Company L, 320th Infantry, when it was surrounded by enemy forces and subjected to concentrations of enemy fire of all types. With complete disregard for personal safety, Lieutenant Thomas crossed a field under heavy enemy fire and established contact with a rifle platoon of his company, at the same time directing the fire of his own weapons platoon. He maintained liaison between the two platoons, enabling the company to consolidate its position and repulse the enemy counterattack. The intrepid courage, skillful leadership, and disregard for personal safety on the part of Lieutenant Thomas reflects the highest credit upon the military service. Entered service from Indiana.

General Orders 28, Headquarters 35th Infantry Division, 2 September 1944

Silver Star Medal - Oak Leaf Cluster Citation

First Lieutenant Leo E. Thomas, O1306768, Infantry, United States Army, for gallantry in action in the Gremecey Forest, France, on 29 September 1944. As he moved through the Gremecey Forest ahead of his platoon, Lieutenant Thomas encountered a group of Germans who demanded his surrender. Lieutenant Thomas fired into the group, dropped to the ground, and ordered his platoon to deploy. Strong forces of enemy opened fire, causing casualties among members of the platoon. Despite the grave personal danger, Lieutenant Thomas quickly organized his platoon into a skirmish line and closed with the enemy. Throughout the action he moved among his troops giving encouragement and directing their movement, despite the fact that he was subjected to aimed fire. The attack was so effective that more than twenty Germans were captured and the remainder killed. The gallantry, aggressive leadership, unswerving devotion to duty, and high order of personal bravery displayed by Lieutenant Thomas reflect the highest credit upon his character as an officer and leader of men. Entered military service from Indiana.

General Orders No. 48, Headquarters 35th Infantry Division, 29 October 1944

Silver Star - Oak Leaf Cluster Citation

First Lieutenant Leo E. Thomas, O1306768, Infantry, United States Army, for gallantry in action near ***, France on 8 November 1944. When the advance of the assault platoons of his company was halted by enemy machine gun fire, Lieutenant Thomas, a platoon leader, voluntarily went forward alone to silence the hostile gun. Working his way to within a few yards of the enemy position, Lieutenant Thomas killed on member of the gun crew and wounded another with his carbine. Exposing himself with utter disregard for his personal safety, he then threw a hand grenade and captured the enemy weapon together with seven Germans before they had a chance to recover from the effects of the missile. Although he was wounded in the action, Lieutenant Thomas continued with his mission until its successful completion. His magnificent display of courage and outstanding devotion to duty are in accord with the traditions of the military service and reflect high credit upon Lieutenant Thomas' character as an officer. Entered military service from Indiana.

General Orders No. 56, Headquarters 35th Infantry Division, 12 December 1944

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