Major Charles Leroy Thomas was one of the first commissioned officers of African-American heritage in the U.S. Army. His distinguished service on the German-French border earned him the Distinguished Service Cross, posthumously upgraded to the Medal of Honor.
Charles Leroy Thomas
In 1943, Charles Leroy Thomas was a newly minted Second Lieutenant, having just graduated from Office Candidate School. Thomas had been a skilled worker for the Ford Motor Company, and a student at Wayne state University, before the war. Upon graduation from OCS he was assigned to the 614th Tank Destroyer Battalion as a platoon commander.
Climbach, Rhine Valley, France
In December 1944 a task force attacked the town of Climbach, France, in Alsace on the western bank of the Rhine River. The task force consisted of 3rd Platoon, C Company, of the 614th Tank Destroyer Battalion, a platoon of tanks from the 14th Armored Division, and a company of infantry. The tank destroyers were armed with four large anti-tank guns firing three-inch diameter rounds that could pierce the armor of German tanks.
The German occupiers of Climbach were prepared for a tank assault, and ambushed the task force en route to Climbach. Then-Lieutenant Thomas was in the lead vehicle, and M20 armored utility vehicle. The engagement began when Lt. Thomas’ vehicle was hit.
Despite heavy wounds, Lt. Thomas evacuated his men from the burning armored car and set up the order of battle. He ordered the deployment of the anti-tank guns, which were key to the defense of the entire task force. The entire unit distinguished itself that day, fighting for over four hours against a much larger force.
Several times the anti-tank gun crews were nearly destroyed, but fresh men ran up to take the place of their killed or wounded comrades. At one point only a single gun remained, and it was almost out of ammunition. A truck driver drove to the rear and returned with a load of new ammunition. When his truck stuck in the mud, he ran across 30 yards of open ground to carry the shells to the gun crew.
Distinguished Service Cross and Distinguished Unit Citation
The unit survived and the task force defeated the German forces as a result of the heroism and leadership displayed by Lt. Thomas. Lt. Charles Leroy Thomas was promoted to Captain, and his 3rd Platoon received the Distinguished Unit Citation, now called the Presidential Unit Citation. It was the first unit from the 103rd Infantry Division to receive such an award, and the first African-American unit in the entire military to be so honored.
A few months later, in 1945, Captain Thomas received the Distinguished Service Cross for his heroism. In the 1990s, a services-wide investigation of racism in the awarding of citations showed that many African-Americans were given lesser awards than their white counterparts, although their acts of valor had been commensurate. Charles Thomas was found to be one of these individuals, and his Distinguished Service Cross was posthumously upgraded to a Medal of Honor.
Thomas was honored as a hero upon his return to the States. His public comment on his role in the battle evoked wry grins. Explaining that he was sent as a scout to pinpoint the German positions, he said, “I know I was sent out to locate and draw the enemy fire, but I didn’t mean to draw that much.” Thomas stayed in the Army and retired as a Major.
Citation
“For extraordinary heroism in action on December 14, 1944, near Climbach, France. While riding in the lead vehicle of a task force organized to storm and capture the village of Climbach, France, then First Lieutenant Thomas’s armored scout car was subjected to intense enemy artillery, self-propelled gun, and small arms fire. Although wounded by the initial burst of hostile fire, Lieutenant Thomas signalled the remainder of the column to halt and, despite the severity of his wounds, assisted the crew of the wrecked car in dismounting. Upon leaving the scant protection which the vehicle afforded, Lieutenant Thomas was again subjected to a hail of enemy fire which inflicted multiple gunshot wounds in his chest, legs, and left arm. Despite the intense pain caused by these wounds, Lieutenant Thomas ordered and directed the dispersion and emplacement of two antitank guns which in a few moments were promptly and effectively returning the enemy fire. Realizing that he could no longer remain in command of the platoon, he signalled to the platoon commander to join him. Lieutenant Thomas then thoroughly oriented him on enemy gun dispositions and the general situation. Only after he was certain that his junior officer was in full control of the situation did he permit himself to be evacuated. First Lieutenant Thomas’ outstanding heroism were an inspiration to his men and exemplify the highest traditions of the Armed Forces.”
Black History Month
This is the second in a series of articles in honor of Black History Month. For other installments in the series, please click here. Every day this month a new article will honor an American of African heritage who has made a significant contribution to American society. If there is any individual you would like to see honored, please send me his or her name and background information. Please use the email address I set up to receive stories about Christmas deployments, [email protected].
