United States of America
Headstone of Thomas Joseph McMahon
Headstone of Thomas Joseph McMahon
U.S. Army · United States United States

Thomas Joseph McMahon

1948 – 1969
Medal of Honor - Army
Purple HeartNational Defense Service MedalVietnam Service MedalRepublic of Vietnam Campaign Medal
Vietnam Wall · Panel 29W

Specialist Four Thomas Joseph McMahon served in the U.S. Army. Thomas served with the 196 LIGHT INF BDE. Thomas served in the Vietnam War. Thomas was 20 years old.

How He Died
Manner Combat Death
Cause Gunshot wound
Circumstance Killed in action
Place Quang Tin
Keepsakes
Thomas J Mc Mahon
Thomas J Mc Mahon 0 views
McmahonTJ01d.jpg
McmahonTJ01d.jpg 0 views
Medal of Honor Recipient Thomas J. McMahon
Medal of Honor Recipient Thomas J. McMahon 0 views
Service Record
U.S. Army
Medical NCO (91B)
MEDICAL SPECIALIST
QUANG TIN
1969
Pay grade E04.
Medal of Honor
Medal of Honor - Army
19 March 1969 · Quang Tin Province, Republic of Vietnam · Specialist Fourth Class · Company A, 2d Battalion, 1st Infantry, 196th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sp4c. McMahon distinguished himself while serving as medical aidman with Company A. When the lead elements of his company came under heavy fire from well-fortified enemy positions, three soldiers fell seriously wounded. Sp4c. McMahon, with complete disregard for his safety, left his covered position and ran through intense enemy fire to the side of one of the wounded, administered first aid, and then carried him to safety. He returned through the hail of fire to the side of a second wounded man. Although painfully wounded by an exploding mortar round while returning the wounded man to a secure position, Sp4c. McMahon refused medical attention and heroically ran back through the heavy enemy fire toward his remaining wounded comrade. He fell mortally wounded before he could rescue the last man. Sp4c. McMahon's undaunted concern for the welfare of his comrades at the cost of his life are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.

Awards & Decorations 5

For valor

Medal of Honor - Army posthumous March 19, 1969 · Quang Tin Province, Republic of Vietnam · Specialist Fourth Class · Company A, 2d Battalion, 1st Infantry, 196th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sp4c. McMahon distinguished himself while serving as medical aidman with Company A. When the lead elements of his company came under heavy fire from well-fortified enemy positions, three soldiers fell seriously wounded. Sp4c. McMahon, with complete disregard for his safety, left his covered position and ran through intense enemy fire to the side of one of the wounded, administered first aid, and then carried him to safety. He returned through the hail of fire to the side of a second wounded man. Although painfully wounded by an exploding mortar round while returning the wounded man to a secure position, Sp4c. McMahon refused medical attention and heroically ran back through the heavy enemy fire toward his remaining wounded comrade. He fell mortally wounded before he could rescue the last man. Sp4c. McMahon's undaunted concern for the welfare of his comrades at the cost of his life are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.

For service and achievement

Purple Heart
Memorials
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Panel 29W · Line 81 cut as THOMAS J Mc MAHON
In Our Keeping
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Record added August 7, 2026 neuraweb.nw
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Last updated September 20, 2026

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Shadow Box
Thomas Joseph McMahon
Specialist Four
U.S. Army
- 1969
1st Infantry Regiment
Specialist Four
Medal of Honor - Army
Medal of Honor - Army
Purple Heart National Defense Service Medal Vietnam Service Medal Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal
1ST INFANTRY REGIMENT - Distinctive Unit Insignia

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