- SURNAME
Tapley
- FORENAME
William L.
- UNIT
6 SF Group (Company C)
- RANK
Sergeant First Class
- NUMBER
- AWARD
Silver Star
- PLACE
North Vietnam 1970 (Son Tay)
- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
1 SF Group (Sgt) 1962-63
CITATION:
Silver Star : The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant First Class William L. Tapley, United States Army, for gallantry in action on 21 November 1970 as a member of an all-volunteer joint U.S. Army and Air Force raiding force in the Joint Chiefs of Staff-directed heliborne assault mission to rescue United States military personnel held as prisoners of war at Son Tay prison in North Vietnam. This valiant effort was motivated by deep compassion for his imprisoned fellow men-at-arms, and by a strong sense of military duty and national pride. On arrival in the objective area, Sergeant Tapley immediately assaulted the main gate, neutralizing and clearing the gate area of resistance. He remained at that position, completely exposed to enemy fire, in order to observe the area outside the compound. A short time later, as his element leader was attempting to break into a building in their sector, Sergeant Tapley observed a small enemy force rounding a building to their rear and moving rapidly to their location. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he fearlessly engaged the enemy and rendered it ineffective with automatic weapons fire. Still exposed to enemy resistance, he began moving from position to position within the compound clearing his sector of responsibility of all enemy personnel. Sergeant Tapley's daring skill, extraordinary heroism against an armed hostile force, and extreme devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on himself and the United States Army.
WEB LINKS:
https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/24797
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