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Thomas Elbert Creek

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Thomas Elbert Creek Famous memorial Veteran

Birth
Joplin, Jasper County, Missouri, USA
Death
13 Feb 1969 (aged 18)
Burial
Amarillo, Randall County, Texas, USA GPS-Latitude: 35.1822, Longitude: -101.8271
Plot
Section E, Lot 359, Space 2
Memorial ID
View Source
Vietnam War Medal of Honor Recipient. He served in the United States Marine Corps during the War in Vietnam as a Lance Corporal in Company I, 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines, 3rd Marine Division (Rein), FMF. He was awarded the CMOH for his bravery Near Cam Lo, Republic of Vietnam, on February 13, 1969. His citation reads "For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a rifleman with Company 1 in action against enemy forces. L/Cpl. Creek's squad was providing security for a convoy moving to resupply the Vandegrift Command Base when an enemy command detonated mine destroyed 1 of the vehicles and halted the convoy near the Cam Lo Resettlement Village. Almost immediately, the marines came under a heavy volume of hostile mortar fire followed by intense small-arms fire from a well-concealed enemy force. As his squad deployed to engage the enemy, L/Cpl. Creek quickly moved to a fighting position and aggressively engaged in the fire fight. Observing a position from which he could more effectively deliver fire against the hostile forces. he completely disregarded his own safety as he fearlessly dashed across the fire-swept terrain and was seriously wounded by enemy fire. At the same time, an enemy grenade was thrown into the gully where he had fallen, landing between him and several companions. Fully realizing the inevitable results of his action, L/Cpl. Creek rolled on the grenade and absorbed the full force of the explosion with his body, thereby saving the lives of 5 of his fellow marines. As a result of his heroic action, his men were inspired to such aggressive action that the enemy was defeated and the convoy was able to continue its vital mission. L/Cpl. Creek's indomitable courage, inspired the Marine Corps and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country". His Medal was posthumously given to his family at the White House by Vice President Spiro T. Agnew on April 20, 1970.
Vietnam War Medal of Honor Recipient. He served in the United States Marine Corps during the War in Vietnam as a Lance Corporal in Company I, 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines, 3rd Marine Division (Rein), FMF. He was awarded the CMOH for his bravery Near Cam Lo, Republic of Vietnam, on February 13, 1969. His citation reads "For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a rifleman with Company 1 in action against enemy forces. L/Cpl. Creek's squad was providing security for a convoy moving to resupply the Vandegrift Command Base when an enemy command detonated mine destroyed 1 of the vehicles and halted the convoy near the Cam Lo Resettlement Village. Almost immediately, the marines came under a heavy volume of hostile mortar fire followed by intense small-arms fire from a well-concealed enemy force. As his squad deployed to engage the enemy, L/Cpl. Creek quickly moved to a fighting position and aggressively engaged in the fire fight. Observing a position from which he could more effectively deliver fire against the hostile forces. he completely disregarded his own safety as he fearlessly dashed across the fire-swept terrain and was seriously wounded by enemy fire. At the same time, an enemy grenade was thrown into the gully where he had fallen, landing between him and several companions. Fully realizing the inevitable results of his action, L/Cpl. Creek rolled on the grenade and absorbed the full force of the explosion with his body, thereby saving the lives of 5 of his fellow marines. As a result of his heroic action, his men were inspired to such aggressive action that the enemy was defeated and the convoy was able to continue its vital mission. L/Cpl. Creek's indomitable courage, inspired the Marine Corps and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country". His Medal was posthumously given to his family at the White House by Vice President Spiro T. Agnew on April 20, 1970.

Bio by: RPD2


Inscription

(military marker)
MEDAL OF HONOR
LCPL US MARINE CORPS
VIETNAM



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  • Maintained by: Find a Grave
  • Added: Dec 23, 2002
  • Find a Grave Memorial ID:
  • Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/7030420/thomas_elbert-creek: accessed ), memorial page for Thomas Elbert Creek (7 Apr 1950–13 Feb 1969), Find a Grave Memorial ID 7030420, citing Llano Cemetery, Amarillo, Randall County, Texas, USA; Maintained by Find a Grave.