Congressional Medal of Honor
CREEK, THOMAS E. *
Rank and organization: Lance Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, Company I 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines, 3rd Marine Division (Rein), FMF
Place and Date and date: Near Cam Lo, Republic of Vietnam, 13 February, 1969
Entered service at: Amarillo, Texas
Born 7 April 1950, Joplin, Missouri
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 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 in 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, inspired the Marine Corps and the U.S.Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.