Thomas G. Coen

Private First Class Thomas Coen attended Duke University upon his graduation from BSHS. Prior to his induction into the US Army, he was employed by the Associated Hospital Service in NY, Thomas received basic training at Camp Breckenridge, KY. He served as a driver in the European Theater as a member of the 106th Lion Division of the 424th Infantry Regiment. He participated in the Ardennes counter- offensive when his Division pressed the attack against the Runstedt's breakthrough, driving them back to the Siegfried Line. Thomas drove his jeep over hazardous roads under enemy observation and fire to rescue valuable records and documents. For his meritorious service from December, 1944 to February, 1945, Thomas was awarded the Bronze Star Medal. He also received the Combat Infantryman's Badge, The European African Middle Eastern Theatre Ribbon with Bronze Service Stars for the Ardennes and Rhineland and Northern France campaigns, as well as the Good Conduct Medal. Thomas was honorably discharged in November, 1945 at Camp Claiborne, LA.