Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier’s Medal to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Thomas Patrick Gill, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on 12 September 1969. Second Lieutenant Gill distinguished himself while serving as a Platoon Leader with Company B, 1st Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division. While on a search and destroy mission, Lieutenant Gill’s platoon encountered a swift flowing stream flowing across their axis of advance. Finding a relatively shallow spot, the platoon rigged safety lines and commenced fording the stream. During the crossing, the machine gunner lost his balance and dropped the gun into the stream. In grabbing for the machine gun, the soldier lost his grip on the safety line and was swept into the deep water. Realizing that the gunner was in danger of drowning, Lieutenant Gill jumped into the water and pulled his comrade to shore. Second Lieutenant Gill’s exceptional courage, determination and exemplary devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    35th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    4th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    December 7, 1969

    Headquarters, 4th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 8210 (December 28, 1969)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Thomas Patrick Gill, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. First Lieutenant Gill distinguished himself while serving as a Platoon Leader with Company B, 1st Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division. On 7 December 1969, Lieutenant Gill led a small reconnaissance patrol from the night location after enemy movement was detected in the area. While walking point, Lieutenant Gill was taken under fire by an enemy force of unknown size. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he maintained his exposed position and began returning fire to cover the movement of his comrades. During the exchange of fire, Lieutenant Gill was mortally wounded, but continued to give fire support to his men. First Lieutenant Gill’s personal bravery, self-sacrifice, and exemplary devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.