The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant Colonel John G. Tissler, United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from 29 November 1966 to 1 September 1994, while serving in positions of increasing responsibility, culminating a long and distinguished career as Executive Officer. Lieutenant Colonel Tissler’s sound judgment, strong leadership abilities, and extensive experience in planning and execution supported numerous exercises involving all services. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for gallantry in action against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Lieutenant Colonel Tissler leads by example and fosters strong professional development in the nurturing of both junior officers and enlisted soldiers alike. His outstanding achievements, and dedication to duty, in in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect distinct credit upon him, his command and the United States Army.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Distinguished Service Cross
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Distinguished Service Cross
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
First Lieutenant (Field Artillery)Batallion:
3d BattalionRegiment:
34th Artillery RegimentDivision:
9th Infantry DivisionAction Date:
March 21, 1969
Headquarters, U.S. Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 2809 (July 24, 1969)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 First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) John G. Tissler, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3d Battalion, 34th Artillery Regiment, 9th Infantry Division. First Lieutenant Tissler distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 21 March 1969 while serving as a forward observer during a reconnaissance-in-force mission north of Ben Tre in Kien Hoa Province. As the company was moving into night ambush positions, an enemy force opened fire. Lieutenant Tissler immediately retaliated with his rifle and sought cover in a shallow canal. Finding himself alone well forward of his unit’s position with a radio damaged by hostile rounds, he proceeded to rejoin his group. As he moved along the ditch, he encountered fire from a sniper hidden in a tree. He quickly killed the sniper and moved toward a machine gun emplacement, which he destroyed with a grenade. Soon he detected a Viet Cong squad of twenty, maneuvering into a position to assault the friendly force. From his location behind a fallen tree, Lieutenant Tissler threw two grenades into their ranks and strafed them with rifle fire. With only two magazines left and perceiving that the enemy had started to surround him, he crawled along the canal until he came upon four friendly troops who were treating two casualties. He repaired their radio and contacted his unit. When the small group moved out to rejoin the main patrol, Lieutenant Tissler, acting as rear guard, killed two Viet Cong and wounded a third. As soon as he reached his unit, he asked for and received nine volunteers to search for five missing personnel. Until the missing were found or accounted for, he continued his efforts. First Lieutenant Tissler’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.