Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Colonel

Unit:

1st Marine Division "The Old Breed", U.S. Marine Corps

Awarded on:

April 1943

"For exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States, as Operations Officer of the FIRST Marine Division in the Tulagi-Guadalcanal area during World War II. Limited as to time and faced with the difficulty of communicating with the widely scattered elements of the landing force, Colonel Thomas was completely successful in preparing operational plans and orders for the embarkation of the Division and for the subsequent occupation and defense of the seized area."

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 313

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Brigadier General (Brigadier)

Awarded on:

June 1944

"For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United as Chief of Staff to a Maine amphibious corps during the period from 7 August to 15 September 1943 and from 10 October to 8 November 1943. General Thomas contributed materially to the success of our operations in the occupation of the Treasury Islands, the landing on Choiseul, and the establishment of the beachhead at Empress Augusta Bay."

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 327

Period:

Korean War (1950-1953)

Rank:

Major General

Unit:

1st Marine Division "The Old Breed", U.S. Marine Corps

Awarded on:

August 13th, 1951

"For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Commanding General, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces near the Yang-gu-Inje Line, Korea, from 22 May to 20 June 1951. Major General Thomas' division was committed to dislodging fanatical hostile forces from their well-fortified and stubbornly defended positions north of the Yang-gu-Inje Line. After seizing the objective area, it became apparent that its successful defense required further advance in the rugged, mountainous region northward. General Thomas, displaying a superb mastery of military tactics, terrain evaluation, and aggressive, determined spirit, pressed forward and, through a series of skillful division maneuvers, secured vital key terrain features against bitter hostile resistance. To insure maximum utilization of the capabilities of the command, he maintained close personal liaison with the forward element and his presence over extended periods of time and during the peak of bitterest fighting served as a strong, steadying influence and set a lasting example of valor for his officers and men. Constantly vulnerable to hostile fire, he narrowly escaped death on one occasion when the helicopter in which he was riding came under a vicious barrage of mortar and artillery fire. His unflinching courage under fire, inspirational leadership and deep concern for the welfare of his men, contributed to the repeated success achieved by his command."

Period:

Korean War (1950-1953)

Rank:

Major General

Unit:

1st Marine Division "The Old Breed", U.S. Marine Corps

Awarded on:

December 14th, 1951

"For eminently meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service in a position of great responsibility as Commanding General, FIRST Marine Division, from 20 April 1951 to 10 January 19521. Displaying superb leadership, astute judgment and thorough mastery of military science, General Thomas organized his unit into a cohesive, aggressive command which acquitted itself in a superior manner under rigorous combat conditions. General Thomas assumed command during the initial phase of the enemy's stupendous spring offensive and, through ingenious application of his professional concepts and rare capacity for prompt forceful decisions in emergency crises when delay would not be countenanced, his command served with notable distinction throughout retrograde to defensive and subsequently offensive tactical operations against a numerically superior fanatical foe. His assiduous exploitation of the capabilities of his command and inspirational guidance enhanced combat effectiveness, esprit de corps and contributed significantly to United Nations first armed campaign for world peace. General Thomas' exemplary achievements reflect highest credit on himself and are in keeping with the esteemed traditions of the military service."

Department of the Army: General Orders No. 107 (December 14, 1951), Amended by General Orders 42 (April 23, 1952)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Brigadier General (Brigadier)

Unit:

HQ, U.S. Marine Corps

"For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while serving at Headquarters, United States Marine Corps, Washington, D.C., during the period from 19 January 1944 through 12 November 1946."

Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit

Period:

First World War (1914-1918)

Rank:

Sergeant

Unit:

75th Company, 6th Regiment (Marines), 2nd Division, American Expeditionary Forces (AEF), U.S. Army

"For gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Sergeant Thomas distinguished himself while serving with the 75th Company, Sixth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces at Chateau-Thierry, France, 6 June - 10 July 1918."

Citation Orders, 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces