Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    3d Marines

    Division:

    3d Marine Division (Rein.), FMF

    Action Date:

    September 9, 1968

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Frank W. Tuckwiller (MCSN: 0-87149), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer of Company B, First Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 9 September 1968, Company B was assigned to occupy Hill 461 in Quang Tri Province, and as the Marines maneuvered up the slope of the hill, they came under intense small arms fire from a large North Vietnamese Army force and sustained several casualties. Rapidly assessing the situation, Captain Tuckwiller quickly consolidated his company and directed the evacuation of the wounded. Completely disregarding his own safety, he fearlessly moved about the fire-swept terrain, shouting words of encouragement to his Marines and directing their fire upon the hostile soldiers while deploying his unit into night defensive positions. Continuing his determined efforts, he repeatedly inspected his perimeter throughout the night as he directed artillery fire upon the enemy force with devastating effectiveness. Early on the following morning, Company B resumed the assault and again made contact with the North Vietnamese force. Realizing that the enemy had withdrawn from their positions and were not attempting to seize the hill, Captain Tuckwiller boldly led his men to the objective and, rapidly establishing defensive emplacements, continued to direct supporting arms fire against the hostile soldiers. His heroic actions and aggressive fighting spirit inspired all who served with him and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his courage, superb leadership and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Captain Tuckwiller upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.