William Tomlinson

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to William Tomlinson (0-4061499), Captain (Infantry), 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 B, 2d Battalion, 47th Infantry (Mechanized), 9th Infantry Division. Captain Tomlinson distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 13 January 1968 while serving as commanding officer of an infantry company during a reconnaissance-in-force mission in Bien Hoa Province. During the early morning hours, a sister company made heavy contact with a large, well entrenched Viet Cong force and was completely pinned down by accurate automatic weapons and rocket fire. Upon hearing the sounds of battle, Captain Tomlinson ordered his unit to move toward the enemy positions. Maneuvering through thick underbrush to the left flank of the beleaguered force, he and his men came under rocket attack from enemy bunkers. Without hesitation, Captain Tomlinson pressed the attack, continuously exposing himself to intense small arms fire. His company broke through the enemy’s outer perimeter and began drawing heavy fire from every direction. Fighting from within the insurgent’s stronghold, Captain Tomlinson brilliantly maneuvered his company to bring maximum casualties on the Viet Cong. His force completely overran the enemy. He then led his troops to suspected Viet Cong escape routes and established hasty ambushes which caused further casualties to the fleeing enemy. Captain Tomlinson’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 3657 (July 30, 1968)