The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant Thomas James Holden (MCSN: 0-89419), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company G, Second Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in the Republic of Vietnam on 23 August 1966. During Operation ALLEGHENY, First Lieutenant Holden’s platoon was dispatched to relieve a platoon sized patrol which was pinned down by heavy crossfire from enemy automatic weapons. Enemy strength was estimated at nearly sixty and the ambush had occurred just 200 meters from the Company perimeter. As his platoon neared the ambush site, it was also brought under intense automatic weapons fire, coupled with grenades and M-79 rounds thrown and fired from the underbrush and the trees to the front and both flanks. Realizing the seriousness of their situation, First Lieutenant Holden began moving from man to man and squad to squad, encouraging them forward to regain the momentum of the assault. Fearlessly exposing himself to enemy fire, he led his men in a furious attack, routing the enemy and rescuing the beleaguered patrol. His inspiring leadership, aggressive fighting spirit and courageous initiative upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
First LieutenantBatallion:
2d BattalionRegiment:
3d MarinesDivision:
3d Marine Division (Rein.), FMFAction Date:
October 22, 1966
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant Thomas James Holden (MCSN: 0-89419), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Executive Officer of Company G, Second Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in the Ap Ba Area in the Republic of Vietnam on 22 October 1966. During an assault through open rice paddies in a torrential rain, the Company’s Third Platoon became pinned down by a heavy volume of small-arms and automatic weapons fire. First Lieutenant Holden moved aggressively to aid the Platoon. Upon learning that both the Platoon Commander and the Platoon Sergeant had been wounded, he took command of the platoon and directed the base of fire in an attempt to gain superiority over the enemy while simultaneously directing the extraction of that portion of the platoon which was pinned down. Although constantly exposed to the heavy volume of accurate enemy fire, he resolutely continued in the attack until he fell, mortally wounded. By his outstanding leadership, indomitable fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty, First Lieutenant Holden upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.