Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Staff Sergeant

    Division:

    Military Assistance Command, Vietnam

    Action Date:

    October 8, 1967

    Headquarters, U.S. Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 6251 (December 5, 1967)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Thomas Witherspoon, Jr. (ASN: RA-12493334), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Advisory Team 4, United States Military Assistance Command, Vietnam. Staff Sergeant Witherspoon distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 8 October 1967 while serving as village security force advisor of the Hai Lang District. While accompanying his commander to a meeting at the sector headquarters, they were savagely ambushed by a large Viet Cong force firing automatic weapons from well-concealed positions twenty meters from the roadway. Although the entire roadway was blanketed with a hail of bullets, he refused to seek cover and used his body to shield his commander from the withering fire. His action permitted his commander to drive out of the ambush zone and radio for help. Sergeant Witherspoon was mortally wounded while unselfishly placing the welfare of a fellow soldier above his own safety. His fearless act was responsible for saving the life of his commander and preventing the insurgents from completing a successful ambush. Staff Sergeant Witherspoon’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.