Date of Award: Unknown
Conflict: Vietnam War
Branch: U.S. Army
Thomas McMahon, born on June 24, 1948, in Washington, D.C., entered service in Portland, Maine, and served with Company A, 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry, 196th Infantry Brigade. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions in the Quang Tin province of Vietnam on March 19, 1969. After three of his comrades fell wounded, McMahon left relative safety in his covered position to give them first aid and carry them to safety. After successfully returning the first soldier, a mortar hit him while returning the second man to safety. He still attempted to rescue his remaining casualty despite his wounds but was killed in action before he could reach him.
Citation: “Specialist 4 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. 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.”