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"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above
and beyond the call of duty while serving with the Third Marines, Third Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the
battle at the Koromokina River, Bougainville Island,
Solomon Islands, on November 7, 1943. Although several of his men were
struck by enemy bullets as he led his squad through dense jungle
undergrowth in the face of severe hostile machine gun fire, Sergeant
Thomas and his group fearlessly pressed forward into the center of the
Japanese position and destroyed the crews of two machine guns by
accurate rifle fire and grenades. Discovering a third gun more difficult
to approach, he carefully placed his men closely around him in
strategic positions from which they were to charge after he had thrown a
grenade into the emplacement. When the grenade struck vines and fell
back into the midst of the group, Sergeant Thomas deliberately flung
himself upon it to smother the explosion, valiantly sacrificing his life
for his comrades. Inspired by his selfless action, his men
unhesitatingly charged the enemy machine gun and, with fierce
determination, killed the crew and several other nearby defenders. The
splendid initiative and extremely heroic conduct of Sergeant Thomas in
carrying out his prompt decision with full knowledge of his fate reflect
great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country."
From Sgt. Thomas' Medal of Honor citation, awarded in 1944.
May you be at peace,
Brian
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