General Gerald C. Thomas, USMC is one of a very few members of the Marine Corps to receive the Distinguished Service Cross for valor during the Korean conflict. General Thomas, then Commanding General, First Marine Division, distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy of the United Nations near the Yang-gu-Inje line, Korea, from 22 May to 20 June 1951. General Thomas’ division was commited to dislodge fanatical hostile forces from well-fortified, stubbornly defended positions north of the Yang-gu-Inje line. After seizing the objective area, it became apparent that its successful defense required further advance in the rugged, mountainous region northward. General Thomas, displaying a superb mastery of military tactics, terrain evaluation and aggressive, determined spirit, pressed forward and, through a series of skillful division maneuvers, secured vital key terrain features against bitter hostile resistance. To insure maximum utilization of the capabilities of the command, he maintained close personal liasion with the forward elements and his presence over extended periods of time during the peak of bitterest fighting served as a strong, steadying influence and set a lasting example of valor for his officers and men. Constantly vulnerable to hostile fire, he narrowly escaped death on one occasion when the helicopter in which he was riding came under a vicious barrage of mortar and artillery fire. General Thomas’ unflinching courage under fire, inspirational leadership and deep concern for the welfare of his men, contributed significantly to the repeated successes achieved by his command, reflecting utmost credit on himself and upholding the esteemed traditions of the military service.

Gen. Thomas joined the Legion of Valor in 1974.