Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant Colonel

Unit:

Commanding Officer, 2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division "All American", U.S. Army

Awarded for:

Operation Overlord

Thomas J.B. Shanley, Jr., O-21828, Lieutenant Colonel, 508th Parachute Infantry. For gallantry in action one mile west of Chef-du-Pont, France, between 6 June and 10 June 1944. Lieutenant Colonel Shanley, Commanding Second Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry, dropped by parachute north of Picauville and assembled approximately 400 officers and men within enemy positions. Despite continuous activity of static and mobile anti-airborne enemy landing groups supported by artillery, mortars and numerous machine guns placed at strategic points, he seized Hill 30 west of the Merderet River. Lacking artillery and with only such equipment, supplies and ammunition as could be recovered from the DZ, Lieutenant Colonel Shanley organized and conducted such an aggressive defense of Hill 30 that continually mounting counter attacks by numerically superior enemy forces failed to penetrate his defenses during the five days prior to relief by other United States Forces. Lieutenant Colonel Shanley's own will to resist at all cost, and his personal indifference to the hazards of the position were the prime factors in its successful defense. He distinguished himself throughout this period by extraordinary heroism involving risk of life beyond the call of duty. His superb courage in the exercise of outstanding leadership in a critical situation inspired and encouraged all who shared danger to emulate his example in the execution of an extremely difficult and hazardous mission. He was directly responsible for the immobilization of considerable enemy strength which might have been used to imperil the successful operations of other airborne elements east of the Merderet River. His performance was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army. Entered military service from Butte, Montana.

Headquarters 82nd Airborne Division, General Orders No. 60 (30 November 1944).

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant Colonel

Unit:

Executive Officer, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division "All American", U.S. Army

Awarded for:

Operation Market Garden

Thomas J.B. Shanley, O-21828, Lieutenant Colonel, 508th Parachute Infantry. For meritorious service in connection with military operations against the enemy during the period from 17 September 1944 to 14 November 1944 near ***, Holland. On 17 September 1944, the 508th Parachute Infantry made a parachute drop south of ***, Holland. Lieutenant Colonel Shanley led the Command Group from the drop zone and established the Regimental Command Post near ***. The nature of the operation and wide sector of defense necessitated the absence of the Regimental Commander much of the time. Lieutenant Colonel Shanley organized the operation of the Command Post and directed its functioning frequently directing the tactical employment of the units in contact with the enemy. In the absence of the Regimental Commander on special duty to Division Headquarters, Lieutenant Colonel Shanley assumed command of the Regiment and directed the operation until its return to a base camp. While acting as Regimental Commander, he directed the operation until its return to a base camp. While acting as Regimental Commander, he directed the organization of the Regimental defense sector, planned and supervised alternate plans of defense, and maintained personal contact with all regimental units. The tireless energy of this officer and his superior qualities of leadership rendered a service of highest value to the 508th Parachute Infantry and reflect great credit upon himself and the Airborne Forces of the United States Army, Entered military service from Butte, Montana.

Headquarters 82nd Airborne Division, General Orders No. 18 (17 February 1945).

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant Colonel

Unit:

Executive Officer, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division "All American", U.S. Army

Thomas J.B. Shanley, O-21828. Lieutenant Colonel, 508th Parachute Infantry. For heroic conduct in action on 24-25 December 1944 at ***, Belgium, Lieutenant Colonel Shanley, Regimental Executive Officer, commanding covering elements, holding an area against the advance of overwhelming enemy forces, was attacked in strength hours before the estimated time and overrun. With a very small Regimental CP group, Lieutenant Colonel Shanley organized a temporary defense. Utilizing radio communications he extricated the majority of the covering forces and assembled them in ***. Radio communication with one group was disrupted, but Lieutenant Colonel Shanley delayed withdrawal until the last moment in an effort to contact the isolated men. When the position became untenable he withdrew with exceptional skill and succeeded in falling back to regimental positions with­out further loss. His achievement in this critical period reflects great credit upon himself and rendered, a valuable service to his regiment. Entered military service from Butte, Montana.

This award was obtained in the form of an Oak Leaf to be attached on the ribbon of the first award.
Headquarters 82nd Airborne Division, General Orders No. 76 (23 May 1945).

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant Colonel

Unit:

Commanding Officer, 2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division "All American", U.S. Army

For wounds received in action in the battle for Hill 131 near La Haye-du-Puits in Normandy, France on 3 July 1944.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant Colonel

Unit:

508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division "All American", U.S. Army

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)