Thomas E. Creek
Thomas E. Creek | |
|---|---|
Thomas E. Creek, Medal of Honor recipient | |
| Born | April 7, 1950 Joplin, Missouri, U.S. |
| Died | February 13, 1969 (aged 18) Cam Lo District, Quang Tri Province, South Vietnam |
| Place of burial | Llano City Cemetery, Amarillo, Texas, U.S. |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Branch | United States Marine Corps |
| Years of service | 1968–1969 |
| Rank | Lance Corporal |
| Unit | Company I, 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines, 3rd Marine Division |
| Battles / wars | Vietnam War † |
| Awards | Medal of Honor Purple Heart |
Thomas Elbert Creek (April 7, 1950 – February 13, 1969) was a United States Marine who posthumously received the Medal of Honor for heroism during February 1969 in Vietnam.
During an ambush at Cam Lo District in Quang Tri Province, Creek was wounded and fell into a gully with several other Marines inside. When an enemy grenade was thrown inside, Creek threw himself onto the grenade and was killed instantly. His action saved the lives of his fellow Marines, and he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in 1970 for the action.