Thomas H. Tackaberry

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Thomas H. Tackaberry (0-60504), Captain (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with an Infantry Company. Captain Tackaberry distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Chorwon, Korea, on 9 September 1952. On that morning, Captain Tackaberry voluntarily left the comparative safety of his command post and moved across a minefield under intense enemy artillery fire to aid a United Nations patrol that had become confused and disorganized when it commander became a casualty. Upon arrival at the scene, Captain Tackaberry, exposing himself to heavy small arms fire, immediately organized litter teams to take care of the wounded and then dispersed the men in small groups to minimize the danger. After instructing the lead group as to the safest route of withdrawal, Captain Tackaberry remained in the rear and covered the group’s withdrawal with his own weapon until he was assured that the men had reached the safety of the main line of resistance. Through his courageous actions Captain Tackaberry prevented heavy casualties and saved the lives of many men already wounded.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 893 (September 29, 1953)