Thomas B. Anderson

On March 28, 1919, a Distinguished Service Medal was awarded in recognition of Major Thomas B. Anderson’s heroism as noted by the following announcement:

“Official announcement has been made by General Pershing of the award of a Distinguished Service Medal in recognition of heroism and devotion to the duty of Major Thomas B. Anderson who lost his life in France on the fifth of September.

The award was made n connection with the following citation, issued from the office of the regimental commander:

It gives me great pleasure to record, in General Orders, a tribute to the valorous conduct of the following named officer of this regiment, who has distinguished himself by extraordinary gallantry in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United States, under the following circumstances:

Near Courmont, France July 30, 1918, Major Thomas B. Anderson, then commanding the 3^rd Battalion, 110^th Infantry, was painfully wounded on the left leg by shrapnel and was also gassed. Regardless of the great pain, he remained on duty with his troops until the attack was successful and he had personally gone over the ground and organized it for resistance of a counter-attack. He continually exposed himself to rifle and machine gun fire. Despite his wounds, Major Anderson remained continually on duty with his battalion during the period between July 30, 1918 and September 5, 1918, during which time the regiment was in the front line for three weeks along the Vesle River, and up the plateau north of Baslieux, France, where an attack was made on a strong enemy position. When the advance was held up by enemy machine gun fire, Major Anderson personally led a small patrol forward, in utter disregard for his personal safety, across an open space in the face of heavy machine gun fire, and in full view of the enemy, for the purpose of destroying a particularly troublesome machine gun nest. Before the enemy position was reached Major Anderson was hit by machine gun bullets and was killed almost instantly. Major Anderson’s devotion to duty and fearlessness were a great inspiration to the men of his battalion. His conduct exemplified the greatest courage, judgment and leadership.”