Dolan Award

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On June 24, 1969, the Commanding General of the First Marine Division submitted a recommendation to award a Navy Commendation Medal with Combat "V," posthumously, to PFC Thomas William Dolan III. His recommendation resulted in the following award citation.

The Secretary of the Navy takes pride in presenting the NAVY COMMENDATION MEDAL posthumously to

PRIVATE FIRST CLASS THOMAS W. DOLAN III

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

"For heroic achievement while serving as a Rifleman with Company M, Third Battalion, First Marines, First Marine Division in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. During the early morning hours of 12 June 1969, Private First Class Dolan's listening post in Quang Nam Province came under a heavy volume of enemy fire, seriously wounding two Marines. Reacting instantly and with complete disregard for his own safety, Private First Class Dolan evacuated the two injured men from the position while another Marine provided covering fire. After an enemy rocket-propelled grenade hit the bunker, Private First Class Dolan skillfully administered first aid to the wounded while simultaneously firing upon the hostile position. As he was attempting to extract another wounded Marine, a second rocket-propelled grenade destroyed the bunker, mortally wounding him. His bold initiative and sincere concern for the welfare of his comrades inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in saving the lives of his fellow Marines. By his courage, resolute determination and selfless devotion to duty, Private First Class Dolan contributed significantly to the repulsion of the hostile force and upheld the finest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country."

The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.

FOR THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY,

H. W. BUSE, JR.
LIEUTENANT GENERAL, U. S. MARINE CORPS
COMMANDING GENERAL, FLEET MARINE FORCE, PACIFIC