Captain Thomas P. Sheehan was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross in recognition of his extraordinary heroism in action on 14 April 1945 in the vicinity of Torre Iussi, Italy. At that time, he was a lieutenant commanding a platoon of F Company, 86th Mountain Infantry Regiment of the 10th Mountain Division. Called forward to take command of the attacking platoon of his company at a critical time, Second Lieutenant Sheehan reorganized his men under heavy enemy fire and continued the advance. Leading his platoon through a heavily mined area covered by intense enemy small arms fire, he dashed forward alone into an enemy held village. Surprising two German machine gunners, he killed them and then brought his men safely to the objective. Advancing through the village, he directed a house to house battle, routing the Germans from their positions and capturing fourteen prisoners. Pressing the attack, he spotted an enemy machine gun firing into another platoon. Second Lieutenant Sheehan deployed his men in safe positions and advancing alone neutralized this German strongpoint with accurate carbine fire. Later the same day, Second Lieutenant Sheehan continued his assault upon enemy positions, destroying a machine gun position; and although constantly exposed, he fought at close range to clear all the Germans from the objective. Second lieutenant Sheehanís courageous actions, brilliant leadership and resourcefulness exemplify the finest qualities of the American infantry leader.

Captain Sheehan joined the L.O.V. in 1978 and resides in Virginia.