Tour start date 11/29/1967

Silver Star

AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
DURING Vietnam War

Service: Marine Corps

Rank: Lance Corporal

Battalion: 2d Battalion

Division: 3d Marine Division (Rein.), FMF

GENERAL ORDERS:

CITATION:

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lance Corporal Thomas J. Worley, Jr. (MCSN: 2386080), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as an Assistant Machine Gunner with Company G, Second Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 21 April 1968, while conducting a patrol between Ca Lu and Khe Sanh, Lance Corporal Worley's squad was pinned down by intense fire from a North Vietnamese Army platoon. Despite sustaining a severe injury, Lance Corporal Worley steadfastly refused to leave his position at the only functioning machine gun and, when the gunner was mortally wounded by hostile fire, unhesitatingly manned the weapon. Disregarding his own safety, he resolutely provided covering fire for the Marines as they evacuated the wounded until he was fatally injured by the intense enemy fire. His heroic actions and resolute determination inspired all who observed him and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit's mission. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty, Lance Corporal Worley upheld the finest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Worley, Thomas James, Jr., LCpl