Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Batallion:

    1st Reconnaissance Battalion

    Division:

    1st Marine Division (Rein.), FMF

    Action Date:

    June 16, 1966

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Thomas D. Glawe (MCSN: 2130228), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company C, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam, on 16 June 1966. Private First Class Glawe, serving as a scout, and seventeen other members of the First Platoon were occupying an observation post on Hill 488, deep in enemy-controlled territory. During the early morning hours a ferocious assault was launched against their position by an estimated North Vietnamese battalion. Courageously manning his assigned post, Private First Class Glawe braved the intense enemy small arms and automatic weapons fire and returned accurate fire inflicting casualties on the advancing foe. The gallant members of the First Platoon stopped the assault of the enemy horde time after time. Carefully conserving his dwindling supply of ammunition, he repeatedly exposed himself to the withering hail of enemy fire in order that he could better control the adjacent areas within the small defensive perimeter caused by rapidly mounting casualties. Private First Class Glawe shouted encouragement to his beleaguered friends and staunchly refused to give up an inch of ground in the face of overwhelming odds until he fell, mortally wounded by enemy automatic weapons fire. His bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.