Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

1st Lieutenant

Unit:

Battery A, 344th Field Artillery Battalion, 90th Infantry Division "Tough 'Ombres", U.S. Army (Battery A, 344th Field Artillery Battalion, 90th Infantry Division "Tough 'Ombres", U.S. Army)

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Thomas J. Mann (ASN: 0-1169628), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Battery A, 344th Field Artillery Battalion, 90th Infantry Division in action against enemy forces on 17 January 1945, at Luxembourg. During a determined enemy attack near Oberwampach, Luxembourg, Lieutenant Mann, completely disregarding his own safety, established an observation post well in advance of the infantry and registered such accurate fire that the enemy was repulsed, leaving behind a large number of dead and several tanks. Later, when the enemy launched another attack in great force the Lieutenant again advanced ahead of the infantry to register artillery fire. His telephone was destroyed by shellfire, but undeterred, he took another position under a blazing tank from where he relayed such effective fire data by radio that the enemy was again routed, suffering heavy losses in men and material. First Lieutenant Mann's conspicuous heroism, his fearless determination and courageous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 90th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

Headquarters, Third U.S. Army, General Orders No. 74 (7 April 1945).