Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Navy and Marine Corps Medal

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Batallion:

    1st Reconnaissance Battalion

    Action Date:

    March 11, 1980

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Sergeant Thomas E. Ceja, United States Marine Corps, for heroism while serving as a Team Leader, Deep Reconnaissance Platoon, First Reconnaissance Battalion on Operation GALLANT EAGLE at Fort Irwin, California, on 11 March 1980. While aboard an OV-10 aircraft en route to a night parachute insertion, Sergeant Ceja’s platoon commander was accidentally pulled from the cargo compartment and towed in the slip stream secured only by his lap belt. Immediately recognizing the gravity of the situation and with complete disregard for his own safety, Sergeant Ceja jettisoned his cumbersome pack and boldly moved to his stricken platoon commander’s aid. Unable to determine the officer’s physical condition, Sergeant Ceja coolly and calmly checked the towed officer’s static line to ensure it was not routed around his equipment or limbs, verified the static line hookup, and cut the lap belt harness. Aware of his commander’s plight, Sergeant Ceja unhesitatingly followed his platoon commander and jumped into the black unknown. On landing, he immediately checked the physical condition of the stricken Lieutenant and set up a landing zone for medical evacuation aircraft. Sergeant Ceja’s prompt and courageous actions in the face of great personal risk undoubtedly saved the life of his platoon commander; thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.