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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Corporal Thomas Edmund Shainline (MCSN: 2399720), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Patrol Leader with Company C, Third Reconnaissance Battalion, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 1 June 1969, Corporal Shainline was a member of an eight-man reconnaissance team which was heli-lifted into an abandoned fire support base on Mutter’s Ridge in Quang Tri Province to establish an observation post. During the early hours of the following morning, a hostile sapper unit launched a vicious assault upon the Marines and, utilizing grenades and satchel charges, caused total casualties among the men. Although gravely wounded in both legs by fragments from an enemy rocket-propelled grenade round, Corporal Shainline ignored his painful injuries and, firing his M-79 grenade launcher, killed an advancing hostile soldier. Alertly observing that several enemy hand grenades had landed near him, he unhesitatingly threw them back at the approaching hostile force. Maintaining effective communications with the combat operations center while simultaneously directing the efforts of his men, he requested Marine supporting artillery fire on the North Vietnamese Army unit and directed the medical evacuation helicopters to his team’s position. His bold initiative and timely actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in saving his companions from further serious injury or possible death. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Corporal Shainline contributed significantly to the defeat of the enemy attack and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Batallion:

    3d Reconnaissance Battalion

    Division:

    3d Marine Division (Rein.), FMF

    Action Date:

    December 12, 1968

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Thomas Edmund Shainline (MCSN: 2399720), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Patrol leader with Company C, Third Reconnaissance Battalion, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the afternoon of 12 December 1968, Private First Class Shainline’s reconnaissance team was conducting a patrol southwest of the Quang Tri Combat Base when the Marines alertly observed enemy movement in a tree line 2,000 meters to their front. Reacting instantly, Private First Class Shainline skillfully directed artillery fire on the hostile soldiers, causing two secondary explosions in the area. Noticing additional enemy activity 100 meters from his position, he swiftly requested additional supporting arms fire through an aerial observer orbiting above the patrol. As the artillery fire routed the hostile soldiers from their positions, Private First Class Shainline led his men in delivering a heavy volume of small arms fire on the enemy, effectively pinning them in the artillery target area. Suddenly aware that a small hostile force was attempting to penetrate the Marine position, he fearlessly led two additional men in a determined assault against the attackers, killing three enemy soldiers and forcing the remainder of them to flee in panic and confusion. Rapidly redeploying his men into a tight perimeter, Private First Class Shainline daringly directed fixed wing air strikes on the prominent terrain features surrounding his position, driving additional hostile soldiers from their concealed positions, and with approaching darkness restricting visibility, he requested helicopter extraction for his patrol. His daring initiative and heroic efforts inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in his patrol accounting for five enemy soldiers killed without sustaining a single Marine casualty. By his courage, exceptional leadership and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Private First Class Shainline upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.