On June 9, 1948, 1st Lt. Charles L. Thomas was posthumously recognized for heroic action during World War II. A member of the 614th Tank Destroyer Battalion, he led an assault on Climbach, France, in 1944, even after being wounded. Though his valor occurred years earlier, systemic racism delayed his full recognition. Initially awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, advocacy and investigations later led to an upgrade to the Medal of Honor in 1997. June 9 marks a date of acknowledgment and a reminder of how many African American soldiers’ bravery went underrecognized due to racial discrimination.
© 2025 KnowThyHistory.com. Know Thy History
