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Navy Federal Credit Union
Thomas
M.
Buckley
1933-02-17

–

1987-06-16

Home:

, 

Louisiana

Awards Received

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant [then Corporal]

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    7th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    October 4, 1951
    Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 558 (December 10, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Sergeant [then Corporal] Thomas M. Buckley (ASN: RA-18350368), United States Army, for heroic achievement during ground operations against a hostile force as a member of Company A, 1st Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 4 October 1951, Sergeant Buckley, a 57 millimeter recoilless rifle squad leader during A Company’s attack on Hill 281, near Chungse-ri, Korea, was covering advancing forces when he observed the location of an enemy machine gun halting the progress of the Third Platoon and spraying his own position with fire. With disregard for his own safety, Sergeant Buckley seized the recoilless rifle from his gunner and, despite the automatic weapons and small arms fire from hostile soldiers, took careful aim and, with one well-placed round, destroyed the enemy machine gun. Sergeant Buckley’s display of heroism and alert devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Corporal [then Private First Class]

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    7th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    April 25, 1951
    Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 408 (September 8, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal [then Private First Class] Thomas M. Buckley (ASN: RA-18350368), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company A, 1st Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 25 April 1951, near Popsu-dong, Korea, Corporal Buckley’s unit was covering the withdrawal route of the 3d Battalion when it was suddenly attacked by an overwhelming enemy force and subjected to a withering hail of enemy small arms and automatic weapons fire. Although in an open position completely exposed to the perilous hostile fusillade, Corporal Buckley, heedless of his comrade’s pleas to save himself by withdrawing, remained in his exposed position and maintained a steady, effective fire with his recoilless rifle against the advancing foe. His daring action, undaunted aggressiveness and determination were instrumental in inflicting many enemy casualties, preventing the withdrawing units of the 3d Battalion from being overrun. Corporal Buckley’s gallantry, courage and complete devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.