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"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 1 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 2 grenades. He destroyed 3 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."
From PFC Thomas' Medal of Honor citation, awarded on September 24, 1945.
A true ass-kicker in every way,
Brian
USNS William H. Thomas
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