Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Private

Unit:

Medical Section, 3rd Battalion, 134th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division "Santa Fe", U.S. Army

Awarded on:

August 12th, 1944

Private Edward W. Thill, 36808325, Medical Department, United States Army, for gallantry in action in the *** sector, near Saint-Lô, Normandy, France, during the period 15-19 July 1944. At approximately 23:30 on the night of 15 July 1944, word was received by the medical section, Third Battalion, 134th Infantry, that an American tank had blown up in a mine field within the enemy lines and that a crew member was lying in that vicinity severely wounded. Private Thill, a litter bearer, volunteered to attempt the rescue of the wounded soldier. He went through the enemy lines in a jeep, gave the wounded soldier first aid and placed him in the jeep. On the return trip he discovered another wounded soldier, whom he also treated and placed in the jeep. He returned safely to the battalion aid station. As a result of Private Thill’s action, the wounded soldiers were saved from capture, further wounds and possible death. During the following three days he volunteered to rescue soldiers in mine fields and areas under heavy enemy small arms and artillery fire. The conspicuous bravery of Private Thill, and his utter disregard for personal safety, resulted in saving two enlisted men from more serious wounds and possible death, and reflects the highest credit upon the military service, and upon the Medical Corps in particular.
Entered military service from Illinois.

Headquarters 35th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 18 (12 August 1944).

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Private

Unit:

Medical Section, 3rd Battalion, 134th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division "Santa Fe", U.S. Army

Awarded on:

August 5th, 1944

For wounds received in action on 29 July 1944 in Normandie, France.

Headquarters 35th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 14 (5 August 1944).

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Technician 4th Grade (T-4)

Unit:

Medical Section, 3rd Battalion, 134th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division "Santa Fe", U.S. Army

Awarded on:

December 31st, 1944

Technician Fourth Grade Edward W. Thill, 36808325, Medical Department, United States Army, for heroic service in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States near Sarreinsming, France on 8 and 9 December 1944. On 8 and 9 December two bridge battalions of the combat engineers were engaged in the construction of a bridge across the Saar River, suffering numerous casualties during their efforts as a result of heavy enemy shelling. Technician Thill, a litter bearer, voluntarily and alone evacuated thirty wounded engineers to the aid station during the two day period, braving the perils of intense enemy activity as he carried casualties on his quarter-ton truck, the only vehicle available for this purpose in the vicinity. On one occasion, he drove through concentrations of enemy fire to a point which was under direct enemy observation in order to evacuate a wounded field grade officer. The unselfish devotion to duty and heroic determination of Technician Thill reflect credit upon his character as a soldier and upon the Medical Department of the Army.

Headquarters 35th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 59 (31 December 1944).