Navy Federal Credit Union

Thomas Emery graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1955. He retired as a U.S. Navy Rear Admiral.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Action Date:

    August 8, 1969

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander Thomas Rogers Merril Emery, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Officer in Tactical Command of a riverine strike force while Commander of Operation Seafloat. During the early morning hours of 8 August 1969, Commander Emery led a force consisting of six fast patrol craft and 100 mobile strike force troops on a raid in search of an enemy force which was reported to be establishing a forward staging area. Departing from the Mobile Advanced Tactical Support Base located on the Cua Lon River near Nam Can City on the Ca Mau Peninsula in the Republic of Vietnam, the force proceeded up the narrow Ba Thanh stream. After carefully penetrating through the densely covered jungle route at approximately 1000 three of the fast patrol craft tripped an enemy ambush causing two personnel casualties. Commander Emery moved forward through completely exposed to the extensive hail of automatic weapons and B-40 fire and dragged one of the wounded back toward the shelter of the wheelhouse. He continued to give the necessary maneuvering instructions required to counter the ambush and once again demonstrated a complete disregard for his own safety by moving the second wounded man through the vicious cross fire to safety. He resumed an unprotected observation and control position, commenced the full employment of supporting arms, and coordinated the ground attack against the ambush positions when he noticed that another member of his force suffered a hit. For the third time during the engagement, he exposed himself to recover one of his comrades and returned him to a position where first aid was administered. He again took up his exposed vantage point and for thirty minutes successfully directed his force resulting in the enemy positions being overrun and a large cache of munitions was captured. Commander Emery’s gallant behavior, repeated bravery under fire and outstanding tactical ability inspired his force to overcome and defeat the enemy. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.