TOMINSON, RAYMOND F MAJOR INFANTRY United States Army. Dates of action: 15 January 1971 to 17 January 1971. For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam: Major Tomlinson distinguished himself while serving as the G-3 advisor to the 9th Infantry Division (ARVN) during a search for three Americans missing in action near Ta Bec Mountain, Chau Doc Province. Shortly after finding and evacuating one of the Americans, his patrol was engaged by a Viet Cong company which inflicted heavy losses upon the friendly team. Although wounded in the initial encounter, Major Tomlinson quickly organized a defensive perimeter and summoned a rescue helicopter. Upon arrival the helicopter was shot down by enemy ground fire. With darkness approaching, Major Tomlinson, realizing that the hostile force could annihilate his patrol if located, moved his besieged team to another location. Using night tactics, he successfully avoided detection by the enemy. The following day he established communications with evacuation helicopters and they were extracted from the contact area. Major Tomlinson’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

COL Tomlinson joined the Legion of Valor as a life member and resides in Alabama.