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.

Lance Corporal Thomas Eugene McKee, US MARINE CORPS
For service as set forth in the following:

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lance Corporal Thomas Eugene McKee, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Tank Crewman with Company A, First Tank Battalion, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, on 15 June 1967, in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. During Operation Arizona, Lance Corporal McKee's tank was maneuvering under intense enemy fire to recover a damaged amphibian tractor. With complete disregard for his own safety, he unhesitatingly dismounted his tank under continuing enemy fire to attach a towing cable to the disabled amphibian. Suddenly, his tank came under heavy Viet Cong 57-mm. recoilless rifle fire, sustaining three direct hits, resulting in the traumatic amputation of his right leg and serious fragmentation wounds to his abdomen and lower extremities. His daring and heroic actions in attempting to recover the amphibian vehicle inspired all who observed him. By his uncommon courage in the initiative and selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk, Lance Corporal McKee upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.