CAPTAIN DENNIS C. TOMCIK. Within a matter of weeks after his first Distinguished Service Cross, the then Lieutenant Tomcik again distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism on 30 December 1968 while commanding his company on a reconnaissance-in-force mission in Kien Hoa Province. After moving into an enemy infested area, and establishing his unit in a defensive position, Lieutenant Tomcik left with eight men to locate hostile activity. Approaching a small hut, he spotted a Viet Cong and wounded him with a burst of rifle fire, but the enemy managed to escape. Lieutenant Tomcik pursued the fleeing communist and, coming upon a large stream, directed his troops to take cover while he and one man continued the chase. Hearing voices while searching a dwelling, he stepped outside and confronted three armed Viet Cong, whom he shot and killed Fifteen to twenty Viet Cong suddenly opened fire, and Lieutenant Tomcik courageously returned the fire, killing one of the advancing foe, enabling his comrade to withdraw. When he reached the stream, he found that his companion was floundering in the deep, rapid water. Disregarding a hail of enemy bullets, he plunged in and pulled the man to safety. He then directed his elements fire and called in artillery strikes during the trip back to the company. First Lieutenant Tomcik’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.

Mr. Tomcik has been a member of the L.O.V. since 1971 and resides in Ohio.

View Mr. Tomcik’s Distinguished Service Cross citation.