LT William T. Meneeley, USNR

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting
The SILVER STAR MEDAL to
Lieutenant WILLIAM T. MENEELSEY, United States Naval Reserve
For service as set forth in the following
CITATION

“For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as a Light Helicopter Fire Team Leader in the Republic of Vietnam from 31 January to 4 February 1968.  On the early morning of 31 January, the Communist Insurgent forces launched a full-scale mortar and ground attack on the Kien Hoa Provincial capital of Ben Tre as part of their nationwide Tet Offensive.  From the first launch until noon, Lieutenant Meneeley flew continuously, rendering invaluable assistance to the town’s hard-pressed defenders.  His fire team made numerous attacks with rockets and machine guns in the face of exceptionally intense antiaircraft fire, and contributed substantially toward thwarting the enemy’s drives, as well as inflicting heavy damage on enemy-held positions.  Later that day, he assumed the position of Fire Team Leader and flew defense of the towns of Ben Tre and Mo Cay until noon the following day.   Before dawn on 1 February, Lieutenant Meneeley again led his fire team through intense fire, under marginal weather conditions, to drive back the Viet Cong who were at the walls of the U.S. Military Assistance Command, Vietnam compound in downtown Ben Tre.  On 4 February, Lieutenant Meneeley was instrumental in preventing the Viet Cong from overrunning the Than Phy district town in Khen Hoa Province, which was under heavy attack by a battalion-sized enemy force.  Throughout the five-day period, he exhibited extraordinary calmness and sound judgement in the face of intense enemy fire. His actions and performance under hazardous conditions  were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.”

                                                                                                                                                                                For the President

                                                                                                                                                                                E.R. Zumwalt, Jr.

                                                                                                                                                                        Admiral, United States Navy

                                                                                                                                                                         Chief of Naval Operations

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