Thomas L. Whittle

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Thomas L. Whittle for gallantry in action.  Sergeant Whittle distinguished himself by heroic actions on 19 September 1968, while serving as a squad leader with Company C, 2d Battalion, 22d Infantry in the Republic of Vietnam. While on combat operations, a patrol from Company C was ambushed by an enemy force of unknown size. Sergeant Whittle immediately began to direct mortar and gunship strikes on the hostile positions. When one of his men became wounded, Sergeant Whittle, with complete disregard for his own safety, exposed himself to the intense hostile fire while assisting in the evacuation of the wounded man. When a medical helicopter arrived, Sergeant Whittle carried the wounded man to the aircraft. His valorous actions were responsible for saving a man’s life and the success of the mission. Sergeant Whittle’s personal bravery, aggressiveness; and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, the 25th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.