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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Sergeant First Class Tyrone J. Adderly, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism and risk of life on 21 November 1970 while serving as a member of a Joint United States Task Force with the mission of rescuing American military personnel held as prisoners of war at Son Tay, North Vietnam. While participating in the operation, Sergeant Adderly, a gunner and ground guide for one of the command elements, came under heavy fire as the element approached the enemy complex. With complete disregard for his own life, Sergeant Adderly advanced against the hostile position and neutralized the enemy with highly accurate M-79 grenade fire. As the force moved into the complex, Sergeant Adderly once again came under heavy automatic weapons fire. Unhesitatingly, he assaulted the enemy position and eliminated the threat to the force. His valorous actions contributed greatly to the successful conduct of the assigned mission without the loss of a single American life. Sergeant First Class Adderly’s extraordinary heroism was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflects great credit on him and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Staff Sergeant

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion (Airborne)

    Regiment:

    502d Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade

    Division:

    101st Airborne Division

    Action Date:

    June 7, 1966
    Headquarters, United States Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 5708 (September 15, 1966)

    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 pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Tyrone J. Adderly, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as a Squad Leader with Company A, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 502d Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, in action against the enemy on 7 June 1966, during an attack on the company perimeter by a large Viet Cong force near Dak To, Republic of Vietnam. At approximately 0230 hours, the company received intense hostile mortar fire. Simultaneously, a numerically superior Viet Cong force assaulted the position. Staff Sergeant Adderly, with complete disregard for his safety, braved the hostile fire to better ascertain the situation, Realizing that the insurgents had breached the perimeter to his left and that his squad was receiving hostile fire from two directions, Staff Sergeant Adderly quickly moved his men into better positions with excellent fields of fire. Throughout the night he continued to expose himself to the insurgent fire as he moved among his men, directing their fire, aiding wounded and distributing ammunition. On one occasion, he personally led an assault on the attacking Viet Cong, killing four himself. Through his outstanding leadership and personal bravery, his squad of only seven men was able to repulse a Viet Cong force five times their size. Staff Sergeant Adderly’s extraordinary heroism in close combat against a numerically superior Viet Cong force was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.