GENERAL ORDERS - NUMBER 371  1 Sept 1953

 

    AWARD OF THE BRONZE STAR MEDAL - By direction of the President, under the provisions of Executive Order 9419, 4 February 1944 (Sec II, WD Bul 3, 1944), and pursuant to authority in AR 600-45, the Bronze Star Medal with Letter "V" device for heroic achievement in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States is awarded to the following named officer and enlisted men:

Private First Class CHARLES W. THOMAS, RA14331999, Infantry, Company "K", 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army. On the early morning of 6 July 1953, Company "K" began to raid enemy held Hill "250" in the vicinity of Honu-Chon, Korea. The assault platoon did not meet any resistance until they entered the second sector of their objective. Here, the attacking force came under fire from automatic weapons positions. Private THOMAS, a rifleman in the first squad, immediately fired at the enemy. Shortly thereafter, he heard an enemy artillery round coming into his immediate area. Quickly, he pushed a nearby comrade into a shell hole before taking cover himself. His actions resulted in saving both of their lives. In the ensuing action, Private THOMAS was wounded by small arms fire as he was assaulting enemy trenches to one side of a large bunker. Disregarding his wounds, he continued firing his weapon at the enemy. Private THOMAS was last seen advancing towards the enemy positions through an area subjected to intense enemy artillery and mortar fire. Private THOMAS' outstanding heroism and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service. Entered the Federal Service from Florida.

 Source: Record Group 338: General Orders 3rd Infantry Division, Boxes 129 to 131 - National Archives and Records Administration, College Park, Maryland.