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LCpl. Thomas W. Fisher
Navy Cross Citation
"For extraordinary heroism while serving as a Fire Team Leader with Company M, Third
Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine Division (Reinforced), in the Republic of Vietnam
on 4 September 1967. While advancing toward Hill 63 in Quang Tin Province during Operation
SWIFT, Lance Corporal Fisher's platoon came under heavy mortar, machine-gun and small-arms
fire from well entrenched elements of the North Vietnamese Army and was temporarily pinned
down. In the initial moments of the vicious attack, he fearlessly exposed himself to enemy
fire to encourage and direct his fire team and observe enemy positions. Pinpointing an
enemy automatic weapon, he directed accurate rifle fire into the position, silencing the
weapon. When another automatic weapon immediately opened fire on his team's position, he
boldly stood up in full view of the enemy and quieted the weapon with a rapid burst of
rifle fire before an enemy round damaged his rifle and wounded him in the arm. Then
despite the painful wound and lack of a weapon, Lance Corporal Fisher daringly ran through
a barrage of enemy fire to assist a companion fire team, pinned down in an extremely
hazardous position. Upon learning that a seriously wounded Marine was lying in an exposed
area approximately forty meters from the left flank, he courageously braved concentrated
fire in an attempt to rescue the disabled man. Undaunted by painful wounds, Lance Corporal
Fisher crawled forward, bravely continuing to advance until he was wounded again. Even
then, when a Marine reached his side to assist him, he refused aid, urging the man to aid
the wounded man whom he so courageously tried to save. Although he ultimately succumbed to
his multiple wounds, he inspired all who observed him to heroic endeavor in repulsing the
enemy attack. By his extraordinary courage, bold initiative and selfless devotion to duty,
Lance Corporal Fisher upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United
States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country."
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