Thomas Joseph McMahon
Specialist Four, U.S. Army
Medal of Honor Recipient
Vietnam War

Specialist Four Thomas Joseph McMahon (24 June 1948 - 19 March 1969) was a U.S. Army soldier who was posthumously awarded the U.S. military's highest award for valor, the Medal of Honor, for his actions in the Vietnam War.

Thomas Joseph McMahon was born on 24 June 1948 in Washington, DC. He joined the Army at Portland, ME. On 19 March 1969, he was a Specialist Four serving as a combat medic in Company A, 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment, 196th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division. On that day in Quang Tin Province, Republic of Vietnam, he attempted to rescue three wounded soldiers despite heavy enemy fire. He was able to carry two of the men to safety but was mortally wounded while trying to rescue the third. For his heroic actions he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.

Medal of Honor

Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sp4 McMahon distinguished himself while serving as medical aid man with Company A. When the lead elements of his company came under heavy fire from well-fortified enemy positions, 3 soldiers fell seriously wounded. Sp4 McMahon, with complete disregard for his safety, left his covered position and ran through intense enemy fire to the side of 1 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, Sp4 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. Sp4 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.

Medals and Awards

Medal of Honor
Purple Heart

Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Thomas Joseph McMahon's name is inscribed on Panel 29W - Line 81.

Honors

An elementary school in Lewiston, Maine is named in his honor.

Death and Burial

Specialist Four Thomas Joseph McMahon was killed in action on 19 March 1969. He is buried at Mount Hope Cemetery in Lewiston, ME.