Thomas J. McMahon

Infobox Military Person
name=Thomas J. McMahon
born= birth date|1948|6|24
died= Death date and age|1969|3|19|1948|6|24
placeofbirth=Washington, D.C.
placeofdeath=Quang Tin Province, Republic of Vietnam
placeofburial=


caption=Specialist Four Thomas McMahon
nickname=
allegiance=United States of America
branch=United States Army
serviceyears=
rank=Specialist Four
commands=
unit=1st Infantry Regiment, 196th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division
battles=Vietnam War
awards=Medal of Honor Purple Heart
relations=
laterwork=

Thomas J. McMahon (June 24 1948 – March 19 1969) was a United States Army soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in the Vietnam War.

Biography

McMahon joined the Army from Portland, Maine, and by was a specialist four serving as a combat medic in Company A, 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment, 196th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division. On that day, in Quang Tin Province, Republic of Vietnam, attempted to rescue three wounded soldiers despite heavy enemy fire. He was able to carry two of the men to safety but was mortally wounded while trying to rescue the third.

McMahon, aged 20 at his death, was buried in Mount Hope Cemetery, Lewiston, Maine.

Medal of Honor citation

Specialist McMahon's official Medal of Honor citation reads:

:For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Specialist McMahon distinguished himself while serving as medical aid man with Company A. When the lead elements of his company came under heavy fire from well-fortified enemy positions, 3 soldiers fell seriously wounded. Specialist McMahon, with complete disregard for his safety, left his covered position and ran through intense enemy fire to the side of 1 of the wounded, administered first aid and then carried him to safety. He returned through the hail of fire to the side of a second wounded man. Although painfully wounded by an exploding mortar round while returning the wounded man to a secure position, Specialist McMahon refused medical attention and heroically ran back through the heavy enemy fire toward his remaining wounded comrade. He fell mortally wounded before he could rescue the last man. Specialist McMahon's undaunted concern for the welfare of his comrades at the cost of his life are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.

ee also

*List of Medal of Honor recipients
*List of Medal of Honor recipients for the Vietnam War

References

*findagrave|7267588 Retrieved on 2007-07-09
*cite web
publisher = U.S. Army Center of Military History
title = Vietnam War Medal of Honor Recipients (M-Z)
work = Medal of Honor Citations
date = October 3 2003
url = http://www.history.army.mil/html/moh/vietnam-m-z.html
accessdate = 2007-07-09