Collin Thomas, age 33, from Morehead, Kentucky, Rowan county.
Parents: Clayton Thomas and Paula Thomas
Service era: Afghanistan
Schools: Rowan County High, Kentucky graduate and Morehead State University
Military history: Assigned to an east coast-based SEAL team. Enlisted 1997. Purple Heart, two Bronze Stars
Date of death: Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Death details: Silver Star citation: The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Collin Trent Thomas, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as an Assistant Team Leader while assigned to a Joint Task Force in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM on 18 August 2010. Chief Petty Officer Thomas and his team were conducting a sensitive sight exploitation associated with known armed enemy fighters in the area of operation. Immediately after insertion, the assault force received effective fire from a tree line directly to their East. The force bounded toward the enemy and took multiple casualties on their Northern-most flank. Realizing the entrenched enemy had a superior fighting position; Chief Petty Officer Thomas broke cover and led his team on a flanking maneuver to support the Northern element who was engaged in heavy contact. As his team maneuvered, he observed an armed enemy fighter inside a six-foot deep trench that ran the length of the tree line. Chief Petty Officer Thomas, identifying the threat that the enemy posed on the rest of his team, boldly charged and engaged the enemy while being fired upon by an automatic weapon. He eliminated the enemy, but was mortally wounded during the exchange of gunfire. Chief Petty Officer Thomas’ actions directly saved the lives of his teammates. By his bold leadership, courageous actions, and total devotion to duty, Chief Petty Officer Thomas reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Source: Department of Defense, Daily Press, Virginia Pilot, Military Times
