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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Dennis C. Tomcik (ASN: 0-5341518), 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 Company B, 3d Battalion, 47th Infantry, 2d Brigade, 9th Infantry Division. First Lieutenant Tomcik distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 13 October 1968 as a platoon leader during an aerial combat assault near the village of Trum Doung in Kien Hoa Province. As Lieutenant Tomcik’s unit landed, it came under intense automatic weapons fire from an estimated company of Viet Cong occupying well fortified positions. The platoon was split into two parts and pinned down by the barrage. Fearlessly moving ahead of his element, Lieutenant Tomcik assaulted an enemy bunker and killed three communists with bursts from his rifle. When six of his men moved up to join him and began providing covering fire, he charged a second stronghold and threw a grenade into its gunport, killing two Viet Cong and capturing a third. He and his comrades were then subjected to heavy fire from their flank. Dodging through the bursts of enemy fire, Lieutenant Tomcik ran to his element which was still pinned under the hostile fusillade, secured a machine gun and ammunition, then returned to his forward position to counter the heavy flanking fire. After directing gunship strikes within twenty-five meters of his location which killed eight of the enemy, he led his small band in assaults on six more bunkers, killing seventeen Viet Cong. First Lieutenant Tomcik’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.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    47th Infantry Regiment, 2d Brigade

    Division:

    9th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    December 30, 1968

    Headquarters, U.S. Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 1729 (May 14, 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 a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Dennis C. Tomcik (ASN: 0-5341518), 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 Company B, 3d Battalion, 47th Infantry, 2d Brigade, 9th Infantry Division. First Lieutenant Tomcik distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 30 December 1968 while commanding his company on a reconnaissance-in-force mission in Kien Hoa Province. After moving into an enemy infested area, and establishing his unit in a defensive position, Lieutenant Tomcik left with eight men to locate hostile activity. Approaching a small hut, he spotted a Viet Cong and wounded him with a burst of rifle fire, but the enemy managed to escape. Lieutenant Tomcik pursued the fleeing communist and, coming upon a large stream, directed his troops to take cover while he and one man continued the chase. Hearing voices while searching a dwelling, he stepped outside and confronted three armed Viet Cong, whom he shot and killed Fifteen to twenty Viet Cong suddenly opened fire, and Lieutenant Tomcik courageously returned the fire, killing one of the advancing foe, enabling his comrade to withdraw. When he reached the stream, he found that his companion was floundering in the deep, rapid water. Disregarding a hail of enemy bullets, he plunged in and pulled the man to safety. He then directed his elements fire and called in artillery strikes during the trip back to the company. First Lieutenant Tomcik’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.