Thomas E. Noel

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Thomas E. Noel (106151), Second Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company C, First Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 1 March 1969, Second Lieutenant Noel was directed to seize a hill near Ca Lu in Quang Tri Province, which was controlled by a North Vietnamese Army regiment occupying a well-fortified bunker complex. He quickly led his Marines up a slope, and as they neared the top the men came under hostile fire from small arms and automatic weapons. The unit became a lucrative target for sniper and mortar fire and was pinned down in a dangerously exposed position. Second Lieutenant Noel pinpointed major sources of enemy fire, then pulled the pins on two grenades which he clutched in his hands, and boldly raced toward the North Vietnamese Army bunkers. While charging the emplacements, he was repeatedly thrown to the ground by the concussion of mortars detonating nearby, but he steadfastly continued toward the enemy force. In a last desperate struggle, he reached his objective and threw his grenades through the apertures of two of the bunkers, killing all occupants. He fearlessly led his men in an aggressive attack on the remaining hostile positions, and during the ensuing fierce engagement he personally carried casualties to places of relative safety. Only after he had consolidated his position and ensured that all wounded Marines had been evacuated would he accept treatment for his injuries. His heroic efforts and selfless concern for his fellow men inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in his platoon accounting for twenty enemy soldiers killed. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Second Lieutenant Noel contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Thomas E. Noel (US-56438202), Private First Class, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against a hostile force on 21 March 1968 in the Republic of Vietnam. Private First Class Noel distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as a Medical Aidman with the Reconnaissance Platoon of Company E, 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 198th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division. On that date, his platoon was participating in a combined infantry-armor sweep into the hamlet of Ap Bon (1) when they came under intense automatic weapons and rocket fire from a North Vietnamese Army force of Company size. Without regard for his own safety, Private Noel repeatedly exposed himself to the hostile fire as he moved throughout the area administering aid to his wounded comrades and pointing out enemy positions. He aided four men before the unit was directed to withdraw and allow supporting artillery fire to be brought in upon the enemy locations. As they withdrew, Private Noel noticed a wounded soldier about 100 meters back. He unhesitatingly dashed across an open rice paddy amidst a withering hail of hostile fire to reach the man and carry him to safety. He then aided several more men in the same manner. Private First Class Noel’s conspicuous gallantry and tenacious devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Americal Division, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, Americal Division, General Orders No. 2753 (May 25, 1968)