b. 13/01/1923 Wynne, Arkansas. d. 22/04/1945 Luzon, Philippines.
DATE OF MOH ACTION: 22/04/1945 Luzon, Philippines.
William H Thomas MOH
Thomas joined the Army from Ypsilanti, Michigan in 1942, and by April 22, 1945, was serving as a private first class in the 149th Infantry Regiment, 38th Infantry Division. On that day, during a firefight in the Zambales Mountains on the island of Luzon in the Philippines, Thomas continued to fight even after being mortally wounded by an explosion which blew off both of his legs. He died later that day and was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor five months later, on September 24, 1945.
MOH 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 one 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 two grenades. He destroyed three 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.
BURIAL LOCATION: ABMC MANILA CEMETERY, MANILA, PHILIPPINES.
SECTION F, ROW 16, GRAVE 90.
LOCATION OF MEDAL: MICHIGAN HEROES’ MUSEUM, FRANKENMUTH, MICHIGAN.
