Thomas L. Titus

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Thomas L. Titus, United States Air Force, for gallantry in action against an armed enemy of the United Nations as Flight Leader of four F-84 type aircraft, 49th Fighter-Bomber Wing, Fifth Air Force, on 21 November 1952. On that date, as Lieutenant Titus was leading his flight onto the target, a burst of twenty-three millimeter fire from an enemy MIG aircraft struck his main fuselage fuel cell and left wing. With crippled controls and streaming fuel, Lieutenant Titus completely disregarding the risk involved, sacrificed his own opportunity for safety by remaining in the area to lead his flight to safety. As his flight formed on his wings, two additional MIG flights attacked. Struggling with damaged controls which required all his strength to operate, Lieutenant Titus skillfully directed his flight in evasive maneuvers precluding further damage to their aircraft. Through his high personal courage, flying skill and exemplary devotion to duty, Lieutenant Titus reflected great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.