Tom Ward

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Tom Ward (15256644), Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving an opposing force in the Republic of Vietnam on 20 August 1964. Sergeant Ward was serving as a Light Weapons Infantry Advisor to a Ranger Battalion of the armed forces of the Republic of Vietnam when the friendly units were suddenly ambushed by hostile elements. Undaunted by the extremely heavy gunfire, Sergeant Ward completely disregarded his own personal safety by assuming an exposed position to repel the enemy. When the enemy launched several vicious assaults during a violent battle that lasted one hour and forty minutes, he remained in his exposed position and succeeded in annihilating a great number of enemy troops. Instead of taking cover after sustaining a severe wound, he voluntarily proceeded to the location of the Battalion Advisor to support the defense operation. Then, when the intense enemy gunfire was concentrated on this position, he unhesitatingly placed himself in a dangerous position to assist the Battalion Advisor in the operation of a machinegun that allowed the remaining Rangers to withdraw. Despite the overwhelming onslaught, he covered the withdrawal of the friendly troops with outstanding effectiveness and continued his courageous efforts until he succumbed to mortal wounds. Sergeant Ward’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the military service.
Department of the Army, General Orders No. 8 (March 9, 1965)