(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel (Cavalry) Linwood Bertram Mather, United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer, Division Support Command, 25th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam from 1969 to 1970. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Mather and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Bronze Star Medal
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Silver Star
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
First Lieutenant (Armor)Batallion:
64th Heavy Tank BattalionDivision:
3d Infantry DivisionAction Date:
April 7, 1951
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 284 (July 15, 1951)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to First Lieutenant (Armor) Linwood Bertram Mather (ASN: 0-62449), United States Army, for heroic achievement during ground operations against a hostile force as a member of Company B, 64th Heavy Tank Battalion, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 27 April 1951, near Tokchong, Korea, Lieutenant Mather took a tank section approximately five miles behind enemy lines to recover an abandoned British truck. After directing his gun crews to cover all directions from which the enemy might possibly launch a surprise attack, he dismounted and, assisted by two of his men, began recovering operations. As the job of uprighting the vehicle neared completion, the enemy attacked in force. While the tank crews engaged the enemy in a firefight, Lieutenant Mather continued his work until the vehicle was in an upright position. Despite the intense hostile fire, the truck was hooked to one of the tanks and successfully towed back to friendly lines. Lieutenant Mather’s heroism reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
First Lieutenant (Armor)Batallion:
64th Heavy Tank BattalionDivision:
3d Infantry DivisionAction Date:
April 7, 1951
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 289 (July 17, 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 First Lieutenant (Armor) Linwood Bertram Mather (ASN: 0-62449), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company B, 64th Heavy Tank Battalion, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 7 April 1951, in the vicinity of Sinpoki, Korea, while a tank-infantry team was advancing upon enemy positions, the lead tank, in which Lieutenant Mather was riding, suddenly came under a hail of enemy small arms fire. Not having sufficient time to give instructions to his platoon over the radio, Lieutenant Mather stood exposed in the tank’s turret and, using arm and hand signals, deployed his platoon in an encircling movement. When the proximity of the hostile forces prevented an effective usage of the tank’s gun, Lieutenant Mather hurled hand grenades and fired his pistol at the enemy. The other tanks immediately joined in the engagement and soon the enemy soldiers began to surrender. While the infantrymen were rounding up the prisoners, heavy fire was received from well-concealed enemy positions in the adjacent hills. Lieutenant Mather dismounted and, leading his platoon forward in an assault, effectively neutralized the enemy emplacements. The daring bravery and gallantry displayed by Lieutenant Mather reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.