A Note from The Virtual Wall
On 19 September 1968, in the midst of Operation Mameluke Thrust, the 2/7 Marines lost 16 men:
- E Co, 2nd Bn, 7th Marines
- Cpl Joseph P. Lopez, Denver, CO (Silver Star)
- F Co, 2nd Bn, 7th Marines
- Cpl Thomas J. Cavanaugh, Waterbury, CT (Navy Cross)
- Pfc Michael A. Figueroa, East Springfield, PA
- Pfc James D. Kelley, Greeneville, TN
- LCpl Mark A. Knollmeyer, Seattle, WA
- LCpl John L. Krol, New York, NY
- Pfc Peter D. Matarazzo, Rochester, NY
- Pfc Terrence Moran, New York, NY
- Pfc Gary E. Noles, East Wahneta, FL
- Pvt Francis S. Rhoades, Elmer, NJ
- LCpl Roy W. Rich, Wartrace, TN
- LCpl Pedro S. Rodriquez, Waco, TX
- Cpl Edgar A. Smith, Mount Vernon, NY
- Pfc Mark L. Triplett, St Charles, IL
- LCpl Philip J. Wajda, Chicago, IL (Silver Star)
- H&S Co, 2nd Bn, 7th Marines
- Sgt Raymond T. Conway, Miami, FL
The President of the United States
takes pride in presenting the
NAVY CROSS
to
THOMAS J. CAVANAUGH
Corporal
United States Marine Corps
for service as set forth in the following
CITATION:
For extraordinary heroism while serving as a Platoon Sergeant with Company F, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, Ninth Marine Amphibious Brigade, in the Republic of Vietnam on 19 September 1968. Company F was conducting a reconnaissance in force in Quang Nam Province when the Marines encountered a large enemy force employing heavy automatic weapons and accurate sniper fire which pinned down elements of the company and caused numerous casualties. Rapidly assessing the situation, Corporal Cavanaugh skillfully deployed elements of his platoon to establish a strong base of fire which would enable the beleaguered Marines to extract injured personnel. Completely disregarding his own safety, he fearlessly exposed himself to the intense hostile fire, shouting words of encouragement to his men and directing their fire against the enemy emplacements while assisting the wounded to positions of relative safety. As the last of the casualties were withdrawn from the battle area, Corporal Cavanaugh rapidly redeployed his forces to provide covering fire for another hard pressed platoon. Alertly observing one of his men seriously wounded and lying in a dangerously exposed position, he unhesitatingly began maneuvering across the fire-swept terrain to his companion's side when he was seriously wounded. Ignoring his injury, he resolutely continued to crawl toward his wounded comrade until he was no longer able to advance. Steadfastly refusing medical attention, he calmly directed his men in assisting his injured companion to a covered position. Once assured that the last of the wounded Marines had been treated, Corporal Cavanaugh allowed himself to be evacuated to a protected area where he succumbed to his injuries. His bold initiative and heroic efforts inspired all who observed him and contributed immeasurably to the accomplishment of his unit's mission. By his courage, sincere concern for the welfare of his fellow Marines and unwavering devotion to duty, Corporal Cavanaugh upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
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