Earl F. Thurston, was granted the Distinguished Service Cross in recognition of his extraordinary heroism while serving with the 95th Infantry Division in Europe during World War II. A sergeant first class, he was leading his squad against enemy fortifications when they encountered intensive enemy machinegun and sniper fire. Thurston ordered his men to cover and went forward alone. Maneuvering to the rear of the building where the snipers were located, he killed one with a pistol fire, crawled silently upon the second and killed him with a knife. Working his way to a position near the machinegun, the Sergeant rousted its crew with pistol fire, seized the weapon and opened fire upon enemy trenches. Through his hold actions and fearless leadership, he inflicted heavy casualties upon the enemy and permitted his squad to capture its objective.

SFC. Thurston joined the Legion of Valor in 1975.