Thomas E. Fretwell, Jr.

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Thomas E. Fretwell, Jr. (13065301), Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion, attached to the 5th Armored Division, in action against enemy forces on 16 September 1944, in Germany. Abandoning his flaming tank destroyer after it received a direct hit by an enemy 88-mm. shell, Sergeant Fretwell, upon observing that two companions did not escape, returned to the burning tank destroyer. Disdaining intense machine gun fire and with utter disregard for his own safety, he climbed upon the turret and was killed in a daring attempt to extricate the trapped crew members. Sergeant Fretwell’s intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 5th Armored Division, and the United States Army.