- SURNAME
Steinbach
- FORENAME
Thomas Raymond
- UNIT
1 Recon Bn (B Company) (1 MarDiv)
- RANK
Lance Corporal
- NUMBER
2384229
- AWARD
Silver Star
- PLACE
South Vietnam 1968
- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
KIA - see Roll of Honour
ROLL OF HONOUR:
https://www.specialforcesroh.com/index.php?threads/steinbach-thomas-raymond.51239/CITATION:
Silver Star : The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lance Corporal Thomas R. Steinbach (MCSN: 2384229), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company B, First Reconnaissance Battalion, FIRST Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 29 November 1968, Lance Corporal Steinbach was a member of a reconnaissance patrol assigned to establish an observation post south of DaNang in support of Operation Meade River. As the Marines neared the proposed location, a North Vietnamese soldier was observed moving toward what appeared to be a bunker complex. In order to assess the situation, Lance Corporal Steinbach was assigned to lead a four man scout team that was directed to make a more detailed observation of the suspected enemy position. As he skillfully maneuvered his men though four foot high elephant grass, two of his team members were seriously wounded by intense hostile automatic weapons fire. Reacting instantly, he returned fire against the enemy and threw a smoke grenade in an attempt to screen the team, as they were almost completely without cover. Observing a helicopter overhead, he marked the hostile position with another smoke grenade and then crawled ten meters through the limited protection of the elephant grass to aid his two injured comrades. With complete disregard for his own safety, he fearlessly raised himself up from his prone position in order to apply a battle dressing to one of the Marines, and while engaged in this selfless task, he was mortally wounded by enemy fire. His heroic actions and sincere concern for the welfare of his comrades inspired all who observed him. By his courage, bold initiative and unwavering devotion to duty, Lance Corporal Steinbach upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the Untied States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.
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