Congressional Medal of Honor Recipients Touch Down in Malden

Malden Catholic was honored to welcome Congressional Medal of Honor recipients Brian M. Thacker, First Lietenant, U.S. Army Battery A, 92nd Artillery, and Walter J. Marm, Jr., Second Lietenant, U.S. Army Company A, 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry, 1st Calvary Division (Airmobile). The American heros arrived in Blackhawk Helicopter on Maplewood Field at the high school.

Malden Catholic shared several photos and videos on their Facebook page.

The Medal of Honor is the nation’s highest military award for bravery. It is awarded by the President in the name of Congress. For this reason, it is often referred to as the Congressional Medal of Honor. Since it was first presented in 1863, the medal has been awarded 3,512 times. It is the highest award for bravery that can be given to any individual in the United States of America and can be earned-by deed of personal bravery or self-sacrifice above and beyond the call of duty-only while a person is a member of the American Armed Forces in actual combat with the enemy of the Nation.

According to the Congressional Medal of Honor Society,Thacker distinguised himself in Vietnam.

“For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. 1st Lt. Thacker, Field Artillery, Battery A, distinguished himself while serving as the team leader of an Integrated Observation System collocated with elements of 2 Army of the Republic of Vietnam units at Fire Base 6. A numerically superior North Vietnamese Army force launched a well-planned, dawn attack on the small, isolated, hilltop fire base. Employing rockets, grenades, flame-throwers, and automatic weapons, the enemy forces penetrated the perimeter defenses and engaged the defenders in hand-to-hand combat. Throughout the morning and early afternoon, 1st Lt. Thacker rallied and encouraged the U.S. and Republic of Vietnam soldiers in heroic efforts to repulse the enemy.”

According to the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, Marm also distinguised himself in Vietnam.

“For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty. As a platoon leader in the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), 1st Lt. Marm demonstrated indomitable courage during a combat operation. His company was moving through the valley to relieve a friendly unit surrounded by an enemy force of estimated regimental size. 1st Lt. Marm led his platoon through withering fire until they were finally forced to take cover. Realizing that his platoon could not hold very long, and seeing four enemy soldiers moving into his position, he moved quickly under heavy fire and annihilated all 4. Then, seeing that his platoon was receiving intense fire from a concealed machine gun, he deliberately exposed himself to draw its fire.”

Many of the nation’s Medal of Honor Recipients are in Boston this week for the Congressional Medal of Honor Society’s annual convention and Patriot Award Gala in the city. Approximately 42 of the 78 living Medal of Honor Recipients are participating in a number of events throughout the week. Several medal recipients boarded military helicopters on Wednesday moring in Boston, and fanned out to area schools for visits.

Maj. Patrick Brady spoke to students and visitors at an assembly. St. John’s Prep in Danvers.

Following school visits, helicopters were scheduled to return to Boston, land on Boston Common adjacent to Charles Street.

Click to view a slideshow: http://www.maldencatholic.org/cf_news/view.cfm?newsid=229

Photo and video credits: Malden Catholic