Richard A. Thomas

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Richard A. Thomas (0-5335163), First Lieutenant (Artillery), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company C, 3d Squadron, 4th Cavalry, 25th Infantry Division. First Lieutenant Thomas distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 3 July 1968 when his cavalry troop was ambushed during a movement from Tay Ninh to Cu Chi. Lieutenant Thomas was riding with the troop commander in an armored personnel carrier when the column was attacked by a reinforced North Vietnamese company firing antitank rockets, automatic weapons and small arms. Within fifteen seconds the commander had been wounded by a rocket. Moments later another one stuck the vehicle, hurling Lieutenant Thomas to the ground. With complete disregard for his safety, he fully exposed himself to the heavy enemy fire and climbed back into the damaged track to reestablish contact with other elements of the column. He then called for gunship support and aircraft to evacuate the wounded. Shortly after reorganizing the unit and receiving air support, his vehicle was again hit by antitank fire, seriously wounding him in the arm. Refusing to be medically evacuated, he moved from vehicle to vehicle, ignoring the continuing fusillade to encourage his men and aid in the extraction of the other casualties. First Lieutenant Thomas’ extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 4523 (September 28, 1968)

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Richard A. Thomas (39000006), Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 422d Infantry Regiment, 106th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces from 16 to 21 December 1944, in Belgium. When his regiment had been cut off and practically surrounded by the enemy, Staff Sergeant Thomas voluntarily led patrols deep into the enemy lines and guided isolated soldiers to areas of safety. Although under extreme mental and physical strain, Sergeant Thomas displayed outstanding and daring leadership over a period of five days, making possible the safe return of some fifty American soldiers, the capture of many German prisoners, the destruction of an enemy propaganda machine and the securing of much-needed food which enabled his small group to fight on for many more days. Much valuable information on the location and action of enemy forces was obtained as a result of these actions. Even though not specially trained for missions of this nature, Sergeant Thomas displayed unusual skill and successful leadership. His intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 106th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.