For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity
in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty.
1st Lt. Thacker, Field Artillery, Battery A, distinguished himself
while serving as the team leader of an Integrated Observation System
co-located with elements of two Army of the Republic of Vietnam units
at Fire Base 6.
A numerically superior North Vietnamese
Army force launched a well planned, dawn attack on the small, isolated,
hilltop fire base. Employing rockets, grenades, flamethrowers, and
automatic weapons, the enemy forces penetrated the perimeter defenses
and engaged the defenders in hand to hand combat. Throughout the
morning and early afternoon, 1st Lt. Thacker rallied and encouraged
the U.S. and Republic of Vietnam soldiers in heroic efforts to repulse
the enemy. He occupied a dangerously exposed observation position
for four hours while directing forces. His personal bravery and
inspired leadership enabled the outnumbered friendly forces to inflict
a maximum of casualties on the attacking enemy forces and prevented
the base from being over run.
By
late afternoon, the situation had become untenable. 1st Lt. Thacker
organized and directed the withdrawal of the remaining friendly
forces. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he remained
inside the perimeter alone to provide covering fire with his M16
rifle until all other friendly forces had escaped from the besieged
fire base.
Then,
in an act of supreme courage, he called for friendly artillery fire
on his own position to allow his comrades more time to withdraw
safely from the area and, at the same time, inflict even greater
casualties on the enemy forces. Although wounded and unable to escape
from the area himself, he successfully eluded the enemy forces for
eight days until friendly forces regained control of the fire base.
The
extraordinary courage and selflessness displayed by 1st Lt. Thacker
were an inspiration to his comrades and are in the highest traditions
of the military service.
