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"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above
and beyond the call of duty: Then Lieutenant Charles L. Thomas
distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action on 14 December
1944. One platoon of Company C, 614th Tank Destroyer Battalion, was
designated as the lead element in a task force formed to storm and
capture the village of Climbach, France. Lieutenant Thomas, the
Commanding Officer of Company C, realized, with the obscurity of
information regarding the enemy and a complete lack of reconnaissance,
the mission would be an extremely dangerous one. Fully cognizant of the
danger, Lieutenant Thomas volunteered to command the selected platoon of
his company and ride in the column's leading vehicle - a highly
maneuverable, but equally vulnerable, M-20 scout car. Lieutenant Thomas
knew that if there was a concentration of enemy armor in the village, as
was believed, he would absorb the initial shock of the first enemy
resistance. The task force left Preuschdorf, France, at 1023 hours, and
proceeded to advance in column toward Chimbach. Lieutenant Thomas in his
scout car stayed well in front of the column. At 1400 hours, upon
reaching the high ground southeast of the village, Lieutenant Thomas
experienced initial contact with the enemy. As his scout car advanced to
an exposed position on the heights, he received intense direct fire
from an enemy artillery, self-propelled guns, and small arms at a range
of seven hundred yards. The first burst of hostile fire disabled the
scout car and severely wounded Lieutenant Thomas. He immediately
signaled the column to halt. Before leaving the wrecked vehicle,
Lieutenant Thomas and the crew found themselves subjected to a veritable
hail of enemy fire. Lieutenant Thomas received multiple gunshot wounds
in his chest, legs, and left arm. In spite of the intense pain caused by
his wounds, Lieutenant Thomas ordered and directed the dispersion and
emplacement of his first two antitank guns. In a few minutes these guns
were effectively returning the enemy fire. Realizing that it would be
impossible for him to remain in command of the platoon because of his
injuries, Lieutenant Thomas then signaled for the platoon commander to
join him. Lieutenant Thomas then thoroughly oriented him as to the enemy
gun positions, his ammunition status, and the general situation. Although fully cognizant of the probable drastic consequences of not
receiving prompt medical attention, Lieutenant Thomas refused evacuation
until he felt certain that his junior officer was in full control of
the situation. Only then did Lieutenant Thomas allow his evacuation to
the rear. Throughout the action, Lieutenant Thomas displayed magnificent
personal courage and a complete disregard for his own safety. His
extraordinary heroism spurred the soldiers of the platoon to a fierce
determination to triumph, and resulted in a mass display of heroism by
them. Lieutenant Thomas' intrepid actions throughout the operation
reflect the highest traditions of the military service."
From Lt. Thomas' Medal of honor citation, awarded on January 12, 1997.
Be at peace,
Brian
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