Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant [then Corporal]

    Regiment:

    15th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    June 23, 1951

    Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 355 (August 14, 1951)

    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 [then Corporal] Tommy Hensley (ASN: RA-13347605), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of the Medical Company, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 23 June 1951, while Company B was attacking the heavily-defended Hill 717, Sergeant Hensley, a medical aidman attached to that unit, courageously left his position of comparative safety and fully exposed himself to the intense enemy fire as he evacuated a wounded soldier. After the hill had been secured, Sergeant Hensley, wounded in the action, refused evacuation in order to remain with the company for the expected counterattack. When the enemy attacked in fanatical waves, he advanced to the forward positions and, heedless of the close proximity of the enemy, administered to the stricken soldiers and carried them to safety. The gallantry, selflessness, and devotion to duty exhibited by Sergeant Hensley reflects great credit upon himself and are in keeping with the high traditions of the military service.