Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    7th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    June 1, 1951

    Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 270 (July 11, 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 Private First Class Thomas E. Wise (ASN: RA-16331987), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company M, 3d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 1 June 1951, near Chiktan, Korea, during an attack on enemy-held Hantan River defenses, Private Wise’s heavy machine gun platoon, which was attached to Company K, 3d Battalion, was forced to advance across a stretch of open field which was being swept by hostile machine gun fire. Private Wise, an ammunition bearer was pinned down by the traversing fire and seriously wounded in the back. Completely ignoring the painful wound, he ran across approximately 300 yards of open terrain and, although continually exposed to withering fire, returned to his squad with the vitally needed ammunition. Only after the enemy machine gun emplacement had been silenced and Private Wise reveal to his comrades that he had been wounded. Private Wise’s daring courage and outstanding gallantry reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.