Herbert Joseph Thomas, SGT

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Sergeant Herbert Joseph Thomas, United States Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and conspicuous gallantry above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the First Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy Japanese forces during the battle at the Koromokina River, Bougainville, Solomon Islands, on 7 November 1943. Although several of his men were struck by enemy bullets as he led his squad through dense jungle undergrowth in the face of severe hostile machinegun fire, Sergeant Thomas and his group fearlessly pressed forward into the center of the Japanese position and destroyed the crews of two machineguns by accurate rifle fire and grenades. Discovering a third gun more difficult to approach, he carefully placed his men closely around him in strategic positions from which they were to charge after he had thrown a grenade into the emplacement. When the grenade struck vines and fell back into the midst of the group, Sergeant Thomas deliberately flung himself upon it to smother the explosion, valiantly sacrificing his life for his comrades. Inspired by his selfless action, his men unhesitatingly charged the enemy machinegun and, with fierce determination, killed the crew and several other nearby-defenders. The splendid initiative and extremely heroic conduct of Sergeant Thomas in carrying out his prompt decision with full knowledge of his fate reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Action Date: 7-Nov-43

Service: Marine Corps Reserve

Rank: Sergeant

Battalion: 1st Battalion

Regiment: 3d Marines

Division: 3d Marine Division