THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. Your Silver Star citation attests to your courage and devotion to your fellow marines. May you rest in eternal peace.

I’ve had your bracelet on my wrist since I found it in Washington DC in May 10th (my birthday and the day You disappeared). I still wear it and it’s been over 25 years. You’re a part of me. I hope you’re still living through me and your family ❤️

I’ve had a POW/MIA bracelet for him since I was 12. I still wear it...I am so glad I finally found this site. Maybe someone could get in touch with me? Thanks.

On 4/4/2020 I was cleaning out the garage and came across the MIA bracelet with your name on it I had purchased years ago. My dad was a combat wounded WW II Marine (2ndMarDiv) which always made me a staunch USMC supporter. I read that your remains were identified and you made the final trip home. Thanks for all you gave in supporting your fellow Marines and soldiers. Semper Fi Marine.

Thomas Joseph Blackman

Silver Star
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
DURING Vietnam War
Service: Marine Corps
Rank: Private First Class
Battalion: 2d Battalion
Division: 1st Marine Division (Rein.)
GENERAL ORDERS:

CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Thomas Joseph Blackman (MCSN: 2398632), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Field Artillery Fire Control Man with Battery D, Second Battalion, Thirteenth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 10 May 1968, Private First Class Blackman was a member of a detachment of two howitzers at the United States Army Special Forces camp at Ngok Tavak in Quang Tin Province. In the early morning hours, the camp was attacked by a reinforced North Vietnamese Army battalion who penetrated the camp's defensive wire in two places and, utilizing grenades, mortars, B-40 rockets and automatic weapons, attempted to overrun the hill top position. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Private First Class Blackman unhesitatingly left his covered position and moved across the compound under heavy hostile fire to the portion of the defensive perimeter where the enemy attack was concentrated. Arriving in the area as an adjacent storage area containing 104-mm. high explosive ammunition began to explode, he ignored the danger from enemy grenades, small arms fire and detonating ordnance as he stood on top of the protective berm and delivered accurate fire against the assaulting North Vietnamese. For approximately thirty minutes, he fearlessly maintained his perilous position as the enemy attempted to silence his effective fire. Subsequently, he was killed by automatic weapons fire. By his courage, bold initiative and selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk, Private First Class Blackman was instrumental in repulsing the enemy assault and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.