The President of the United States
in the name of The Congress
takes pleasure in presenting the
Medal of Honor
to
*THOMAS, WILLIAM H.
Rank and Organization:: Private First Class, U.S. Army, 149th Infantry, 38th
Infantry Division. Place and Date Zambales Mountains Luzon, Philippine Islands, 22
April 1945. Entered Service at: Ypsilanti, Mich. Birth. Wynne, Ark. G.O. No.:
81, 24 September 1945.
Citation:
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.
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