Marine Corps Vietnam Tankers Historical Foundation

Marine Corps Vietnam Tankers Historical Foundation©

Marine Corps Vietnam-era Tankers and Ontosmen Have Made History.

Your Historical Foundation is Making it Known.

Corporal Joseph R. Tiscia, Jr., US MARINE CORPS
For service as set forth in the following:

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Joseph R. Tiscia, Jr., United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Headquarters and Service Company, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On, 7 February 1968, Corporal TISCIA was a member of the security unit aboard a convoy returning from a resupply mission in Thua Thien Province. As the convoy approached National Route One, it suddenly came under intense small arms, automatic weapons, mortar and antitank rocket fire from a numerically superior North Vietnamese Army force. Reacting instantly, Corporal TISCIA skillfully deployed elements of the security unit into advantageous firing positions and ably directed a heavy volume of suppressive fire at the hostile emplacements. Alertly observing two wounded Marines lying in an area dangerously exposed to the hostile fire, he fearlessly ran across the fire-swept terrain to the injured men and rapidly moved them to covered positions. Disregarding his own safety, he maneuvered toward an enemy machine gun emplacement, and as he threw a hand grenade which silenced the hostile position, he was wounded Ignoring his painful injuries, he continued to shout words of encouragement and direct the fire of his comrades until reinforcements arrived His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in saving the lives of two wounded Marines. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Corporal TISCIA upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.