Name: Thomas E. Creek
Rank: Lance Corporal
Branch: U.S. Marine Corps
Unit: Company I, 3d Battalion, 9th Marines, 3d Marine Division (Reinforced), FMF
Place: Near Cam Lo, Republic of Vietnam
Entered Service At: Amarillo, Texas
Born: 7 April 1950, Joplin, Missouri
Summary of Action
On 13 February 1969, Lance Corporal Thomas E. Creek was serving as a rifleman with Company I during a security mission for a convoy moving to resupply the Vandegrift Combat Base near Cam Lo.
When an enemy command-detonated mine destroyed one of the vehicles and halted the convoy, the Marines were immediately subjected to a heavy mortar barrage followed by intense small-arms fire from a well-concealed North Vietnamese force. As his squad maneuvered to counter the ambush, L/Cpl. Creek moved swiftly to a fighting position and began returning fire.
Spotting a location from which he could better engage the enemy, he dashed across fire-swept terrain, completely disregarding his own safety. During this movement, he was seriously wounded by enemy fire and fell into a gully. Moments later, an enemy grenade landed between him and several fellow Marines.
Fully aware of the consequences, L/Cpl. Creek rolled onto the grenade and absorbed the full force of the explosion with his body, saving the lives of five of his comrades.
His selfless sacrifice inspired his fellow Marines to launch an aggressive counterattack that defeated the enemy force and enabled the convoy to continue its critical mission.
Medal of Honor Citation
CREEK, THOMAS E.
Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a rifleman with Company I in action against enemy forces. L/Cpl. Creek’s squad was providing security for a convoy moving to resupply the Vandegrift Combat Base when an enemy command-detonated mine destroyed 1 of the vehicles and halted the convoy near the Cam Lo Resettlement Village. Almost immediately, the Marines came under a heavy volume of hostile mortar fire followed by intense small-arms fire from a well-concealed enemy force. As his squad deployed to engage the enemy, L/Cpl. Creek quickly moved to a fighting position and aggressively engaged in the fire fight. Observing a position from which he could more effectively deliver fire against the hostile forces, he completely disregarded his own safety as he fearlessly dashed across the fire-swept terrain and was seriously wounded by enemy fire. At the same time, an enemy grenade was thrown into the gully where he had fallen, landing between him and several companions. Fully realizing the inevitable results of his action, L/Cpl. Creek rolled on the grenade and absorbed the full force of the explosion with his body, thereby saving the lives of 5 of his fellow Marines. As a result of his heroic action, his men were inspired to such aggressive action that the enemy was defeated and the convoy was able to continue its vital mission. L/Cpl. Creek’s indomitable courage and selfless devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.homas E. Creek
Rank: Lance Corporal
Branch: U.S. Marine Corps
Unit: Company I, 3d Battalion, 9th Marines, 3d Marine Division (Reinforced), FMF
Place: Near Cam Lo, Republic of Vietnam
Entered Service At: Amarillo, Texas
Born: 7 April 1950, Joplin, Missouri
Summary of Action
On 13 February 1969, Lance Corporal Thomas E. Creek was serving as a rifleman with Company I during a security mission for a convoy moving to resupply the Vandegrift Combat Base near Cam Lo.
When an enemy command-detonated mine destroyed one of the vehicles and halted the convoy, the Marines were immediately subjected to a heavy mortar barrage followed by intense small-arms fire from a well-concealed North Vietnamese force. As his squad maneuvered to counter the ambush, L/Cpl. Creek moved swiftly to a fighting position and began returning fire.
Spotting a location from which he could better engage the enemy, he dashed across fire-swept terrain, completely disregarding his own safety. During this movement, he was seriously wounded by enemy fire and fell into a gully. Moments later, an enemy grenade landed between him and several fellow Marines.
Fully aware of the consequences, L/Cpl. Creek rolled onto the grenade and absorbed the full force of the explosion with his body, saving the lives of five of his comrades.
His selfless sacrifice inspired his fellow Marines to launch an aggressive counterattack that defeated the enemy force and enabled the convoy to continue its critical mission.
Medal of Honor Citation
CREEK, THOMAS E.
