PRIVATE FIRST CLASS THOMAS MINOGUE, UNITE STATES ARMY

for extraordinary heroism in action:

Private First Class Thomas Minogue distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism on 21 March 1967, while serving as Platoon Medic for the Third Platoon, Company C, 2d Battalion, 35th Infantry. His unit was conducting a search and destroy operation in Kontum Province, Republic of Vietnam and engaged a numerically superior enemy force. When the company commander was seriously wounded, Private Minogue ran through thirty meters of intense enemy fire to shield his commander with his body and treat his wounds. As the enemy charged the position, he ignored the intrinsic peril and threw himself across his leader and consequently received multiple gunshot wounds. His selfless actions also provided protection for the Radio Telephone Operator, who used his rifle and hand grenades to repulse the enemy and communicated with the platoons and battalion headquarters. Private Minogue continued to shield his commander as he and the Radio Telephone Operator moved him to a safer position. When the enemy assaulted their new position, he again covered the commander’s body with his own and protected the Radio Telephone Operator. The company commander occasionally regained consciousness long enough to encourage his men and adjust air and artillery support. Private Minogue continued to treat him until overcome by his own mortal wounds. His extraordinary heroism not only saved the lives of the Radio Operator end Company Commander, but also made it possible for them to continue to operate the Command Posy. The tactical and valorous significance of his heroism is highlighted by the fact that without the operation of the Command Post, the company would not have survived until a relief force arrived to force the enemy to break contact. Private Minogue’s supreme effort and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the Armed Forces of his country.