Thomas Harry Maynard

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Thomas Harry Maynard (RA19286737), Private First Class, U.S. 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 C, 2d Battalion, 8th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division. Private First Class Maynard distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 6 November 1965 while serving as an ammunition bearer during a search and destroy operation in the vicinity of Plei Me, Republic of Vietnam. At approximately 1330 hours, Private Maynard’s unit came under intense small arms and automatic weapons fire from well camouflaged Viet Cong positions. The insurgents had excellent observation and fields of fire which made it difficult to advance and halted the friendly assault. During the course of action, ammunition was called for by the forward elements of the platoon. With complete disregard for his personal safety while exposed to the intense hostile fire, Private Maynard and another soldier advanced to approximately twenty meters toward the lead elements of the platoon, with the critically needed ammunition and both were immediately wounded. While attempting to locate the Viet Cong positions, a grenade had landed between Private Maynard and the other soldier. Private Maynard, although wounded himself and with complete disregard for his personal safety, pushed his comrade aside and threw himself upon the grenade, smothering the blast with his body. His intentional and selfless act undoubtedly saved the life of his fellow soldier and served as an inspiration to the other members of his unit. Private Maynard’s unimpeachable valor and extraordinary heroism in close combat against hostile forces were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Department of the Army, General Orders No. 33 (July 26, 1967)