Headquarters, U.S. Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 4487 (September 2, 1967)
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 Major (Field Artillery) Thomas Henry Harvey, Jr. (ASN: 0-83266), 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 Troop B, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). Major Harvey distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 16 April 1967 while serving as platoon leader of a helicopter team flying a reconnaissance and support mission for ground operations near Duc Pho. Catching a North Vietnamese unit in the open, Major Harvey made a series of low-level passes firing his rockets and machine guns. Expending his rockets, he then hovered directly over the insurgents so his gunners could direct deadly fire upon them. His helicopter received heavy damage from ground fire, but he continued the attack until his aircraft ran low of fuel. After returning to his base to change aircraft Major Harvey flew back to the battle area. Again locating Viet Cong in the open, he made a treetop-level rocket pass into the face of withering fire. His rockets failed to fire so he again hovered over the hostile forces while his door gunners inflicted heavy casualties. Once more returning to base after his helicopter was damaged and a crewmember wounded, he again changed aircraft and flew back to support the infantrymen. His courageous actions were instrumental in bringing heavy casualties on the enemy and successfully completing the mission. Major Harvey’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.