Charles L. Thomas

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

For 1863 Medal of Honor recipient, see Charles L. Thomas (1843-1923).

Charles Leroy Thomas
1920-1980
Place of death	Detroit, Michigan
Allegiance	U.S. Army
Years of service	1942-1947
Rank	Major
Unit	614st Tank Destroyer Battalion
Battles/wars	World War II
Awards	Medal of Honor Purple Heart

Charles Leroy Thomas (1920-1980) was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in 1997 for his actions during World War II as a first lieutenant in Company C, 614th Tank Destroyer Battalion (Towed), 103rd Infantry Division. He was cited for leading a task force storming Climbach, France, December 14, 1944. Thomas' armored scout car was knocked out by enemy fire and he was wounded.

The lieutenant helped his crew out of the vehicle, but as he left the car's protection, he was again wounded in the chest, legs and left arm. Despite his wounds, Thomas directed the dispersal and emplacement of two antitank guns, which then returned fire.

He briefed one of his platoon leaders, a junior lieutenant, on the general situation, and only when he was sure the situation was under control did he allow himself to be evacuated. He left service as a major in 1947.

[edit] Awards and decoration

Awards and Decorations: Medal of Honor (as of 23 September 1996); Purple Heart; European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal; World War II Victory Medal.

[edit] Medal of Honor citation

For extraordinary heroism on December 14, 1944, near Climbach, France. LT. Thomas armored scout car was subjected to intense enemy artillery, self-propelled gun, and small arms fire. Wounded by the initial burst of hostile fire, LT. Thomas signaled the remainder of the column to halt and despite the severity of his wounds, assisted the crew to obtaining cover. Upon leaving the scant protection which the vehicle afforded, LT. Thomas again was subjected to a hail of enemy fire which inflicted multiple gunshot wounds in his chest, legs, and left arm. Despite the intense pain LT. Thomas ordered and directed the dispersion and emplacement of two antitank guns which effectively returned the enemy fire. He refused to be evacuated until he was certain his junior officer was in full control of the situation.