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Thomas
P.
Cunningham

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Awards Received

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant First Class

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    15th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    July 14, 1953
    Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 443 (October 10, 1953)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Sergeant First Class Thomas P. Cunningham (ASN: RA-51106370), United States Army, for heroic achievement during ground operations against a hostile force as a member of Company G, 2d Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 14 July, 1953, in the vicinity of Kumsong, Korea, elements of the 2d Battalion moved up to the main line of resistance to block an enemy penetration. At that time the battle situation was uncertain and in order to ascertain the conditions in the contested sector, Sergeant Cunningham volunteered to make a personal reconnaissance, despite the intense barrage of enemy mortar and artillery fire. Disregarding his personal safety, he courageously moved into the area. He constantly exposed himself to the concentration efficiently reconnoitering the area. As a result of his brave actions, the unit was able to rapidly move into its positions with a minimum of casualties. Sergeant Cunningham’s outstanding heroism and devotion to duty reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    15th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    April 3, 1953
    Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 103 (April 24, 1953)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Thomas P. Cunningham (ASN: RA-51106370), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company G, 2d Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. During the early morning hours of 3 April 1953, elements of Company G, 2d Battalion, of which Sergeant Cunningham was a member, were assigned the mission of defending positions on Outpost “Harry”, in the vicinity of Surang-ni, Korea. When the objective was subjected to an intense assault by hostile forces, Sergeant Cunningham and several of his fellow soldiers became isolated from the main body of the friendly elements. When two enemy soldiers approached the trench in which Sergeant Cunningham was located, he disposed of them with his carbine. After engaging with and disposing of a third enemy soldier, he delivered effective machine gun fire down the trench, clearing it of hostile forces and reestablishing the defensive positions. Sergeant Cunningham’s outstanding gallantry, initiative and devotion to duty reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.