RANGERS 2 Thibodeau, Wallace Fred

John Robertson

Administrator
Staff member
  • SURNAME
Thibodeau
  • FORENAME
Wallace Fred
  • UNIT
Company K (Ranger),75th Infantry
  • RANK
Staff Sergeant
  • NUMBER
563560373 (RA-19813726)
  • AWARD
Silver Star with 2 oak leaf clusters,Air Medal with 2 oak leaf clusters
  • PLACE
South Vietnam 1969
  • ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
KIA - see Roll of Honour
 

ROLL OF HONOUR:

https://www.specialforcesroh.com/index.php?threads/thibodeau-wallace-fred.5566/

CITATION:

Silver Star : The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Wallate (Wallace) Fred Thibodeau (ASN: RA-19813726), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Sergeant Thibodeau distinguished himself while serving as a Team Leader with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, [Company K (Ranger), 75th Infantry Regiment], 1st Brigade, 4th Infantry Division. On 10 April 1969, Sergeant Thibodeau was serving as a team leader for a long range patrol team on a reconnaissance mission near Polei Kleng. Upon discovering an uninhabited large sized North Vietnamese bunker complex with various enemy equipment and documents, Sergeant Thibodeau and his team were subjected to a large scale enemy attack. Sergeant Thibodeau's vast experience and military ability proved invaluable while he directed artillery onto the enemy positions and directed his team in defensive maneuvers. While the team was moving through the dark jungle, they found a body of a fallen comrade which they promptly picked up and carried with them while evading the enemy force. Throughout the entire night of continuous contact, Sergeant Thibodeau helped carry the body while he directed his team in maneuvers and adjusted artillery fire onto the pursuing enemy. During the early morning hours, Sergeant Thibodeau and his team were constantly surrounded by the enemy, but his efficient handling of the situation prevented his team from receiving any casualties. Sergeant Thibodeau's exceptional leadership was directly responsible for the death of 45 enemy soldiers, the capturing of several important enemy documents, the location of an enemy bunker complex, and the recovery of a missing American body. Sergeant Thibodeau's exceptional courage, superb, outstanding leadership and exemplary devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

Silver Star (Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster) : The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant Wallate (Wallace) Fred Thibodeau (ASN: RA-19813726), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Sergeant Thibodeau distinguished himself while serving as a Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol Team Leader with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, [Company K (Ranger), 75th Infantry Regiment], 1st Brigade, 4th Infantry Division. On 24 June 1969, Sergeant Thibodeau's team discovered an enemy camp and waited for the enemy to return. When three enemy soldiers moved into the area, the team quickly engaged them, killing one and capturing the others. Realizing the complex supported more than three men, Sergeant Thibodeau again deployed his men and awaited the return of the remaining enemy. When the enemy entered the area, Sergeant Thibodeau directed his men in delivering a heavy volume of fire, inflicting numerous casualties and capturing another enemy soldier. As a result of Sergeant Thibodeau's actions vital intelligence information was gathered. Sergeant Thibodeau's personal bravery, outstanding leadership and exemplary devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

Silver Star (2nd Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster) : The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant Wallate (Wallace) Fred Thibodeau (ASN: RA-19813726), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Sergeant Thibodeau distinguished himself while serving as a Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol Team Leader with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, [Company K (Ranger), 75th Infantry Regiment], 1st Brigade, 4th Infantry Division. On 19 July 1969, Sergeant Thibodeau's patrol spotted an enemy force moving towards their position. Directing his men to set up a hasty ambush, Sergeant Thibodeau boldly had his team hold their fire until; the enemy was only 15 meters from their position. When the team opened fire they inflicted many casualties upon the enemy, forcing them to retreat in panic. Then, with complete disregard for his personal safety, Sergeant Thibodeau stood up, and with another man began to pursue the fleeing enemy, placing heavy fire into their ranks. It was in this last act of heroism that Sergeant Thibodeau was mortally wounded. Staff Sergeant Thibodeau's extraordinary courage, superb, outstanding leadership and exemplary devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

WEB LINKS:

https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/71014
Last edited by a moderator:
Top