HEADQUARTERS 82D AIRBORNE DIVISION
Office of the Division Commander

A.P.O. 469, U.S. Army,
17 February 1945

GENERAL ORDERS )
NUMBER 18 )

SECTION

AWARD OF THE SILVER STAR MEDAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . I
AWARD OF THE BRONZE STAR MEDAL, OAK LEAF CLUSTER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . II
AWARD OF THE BRONZE STAR MEDAL, FOR MERITORIOUS SERVICE . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . III
AWARD OF THE BRONZE STAR MEDAL, POSTHUMOUS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IV

III — AWARD OF THE BRONZE STAR MEDAL FOR MERITORIOUS SERVICE:

       Under the provisions of AR 600-45, as amended, and pursuant to authority contained in letter 200.6 (AG) Headquarters XVIII Corps Airborne, dated 31 August 1944., and Circular No. 2, Headquarters First United States Army, dated 4 January 1945, the Bronze Star Medal is awarded to the following named individuals :

       THOMAS J. B. SHANLEY, 0-21828, Lieutenant Colonel, 508th Parachute Infantry. For meritorious service in connection with military operations against the enemy during the period from 17 September 1914 to 14 November 1944 near ***, HOLLAND. On 17 September 1944, the 508th Parachute Infantry made a parachute drop south of ***, HOLLAND. Lieutenant Colonel SHANLEY led the Command Group from the drop zone and established the Regimental Command Post near ***. The nature of the operation and wide sector of defense necessitated the absence of the Regimental Commander much of the time. Lieutenant Colonel SHANLEY organized the operation of the Command Post and directed its functioning frequently directing the tactical employment of the units in contact with the enemy. In the absence of the Regimental Commander on special duty to Division Headquarters, Lieutenant Colonel SHANLEY assumed command of the Regiment and directed the operation until its return to a base camp. While acting as Regimental Commander, he directed the operation until its return to a base camp. While acting as Regimental Commander, he directed the organization of the Regimental defense sector, planned and supervised alternate plans of defense, and maintained personal contact with all regimental units. The tireless energy of this officer and his superior qualities of leadership rendered a service of highest value to the 508th Parachute Infantry and reflect great credit upon himself and the Airborne Forces of the United States Army, Entered military service from BUTTE, MONTANA.

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By command of Major General GAVIN:

H. H. WIENECKE,       
Colonel, G.S.C.,      
Chief of Staff        

OFFICIAL:

       s/ M. E. Stuart
       t/ M. E. STUART,
       Major, A. G. D.,
       Actg. Adj. Gen.

       A TRUE COPY

       s/ W. T. RUSSELL
       Lt. Colonel, GS