Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

1st Lieutenant (Lieutenant)

Unit:

3965th Quartermaster Truck Company, Ninth U.S. Army (3965th Quartermaster Truck Company, Ninth U.S. Army)

First Lieutenant Thomas H. Townsend, 01583776, 3965th Quartermaster Truck Company, United States Army, for heroism and courageous action. On 26 August 1944, when an American airplane was hit by antiaircraft fire and crashed, Lieutenant Townsend was the first person to arrive on the scene. Completely disregarding the danger of an imminent explosion and the intense heat from the burning plane, Lieutenant Townsend courageously approached the burning plane and removed the injured pilot to safety. The heroism and courageous action of Lieutenant Townsend reflect credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the military service. Entered military service from Illinois.

Headquarters, Ninth U.S. Army, General Orders No. 48 (1944).