[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 12]
[Senate]
[Page 16869]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO SERGEANT THOMAS R. GDOVIN

  Mr. PORTMAN. Mr. President, on this week of Veteran's Day, I rise 
today to recognize SGT Thomas R. Gdovin, of Cleveland, OH, for the 
exceptional bravery he displayed in combat on March 8, 1968, in Vietnam 
while assigned to the U.S. Army's 101st Airborne Division. Earlier 
today I presented the Silver Star, one of our Nation's highest honors 
for gallantry in military service, to former SGT Thomas Gdovin here in 
Washington, DC.
  SGT Thomas R. Gdovin enlisted into the U.S. Army on July 5, 1966, and 
served in the 101st Airborne Division. Today, during a ceremony over 40 
years in the making, he received the Silver Star for his bravery during 
the Vietnam war when he risked his own life to save a wounded soldier 
during combat. I was honored to have Mr. Dan Phillips, the soldier 
rescued, attend the ceremony alongside Mr. Gdovin's family and friends 
in celebration of this well deserved honor.
  I am honored to read the Silver Star Citation detailing Sergeant 
Gdovin's brave actions into the Record.

       The President of the United States of America, authorized 
     by Act of Congress, 9 July 1918, has awarded the Silver Star 
     to: Sergeant Thomas R. Gdovin, 502d Infantry Regiment, 2d 
     Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile) For Gallantry: 
     in action on 8 March 1968, while serving as Squad Leader with 
     1st Platoon, Company D, 1st Battalion, 502d Infantry 
     Regiment, 2d Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile) in 
     support of operations in the Republic of Vietnam. Sergeant 
     Gdovin's squad became the company's lead element during an 
     attack on enemy forces when they received intense automatic 
     weapons and rocket fire. The lead Soldier in the formation 
     was severely wounded and was unable to move in an area open 
     to enemy fire. Sergeant Gdovin placed the squad into 
     defensive positions and suppressed enemy fire. He then left 
     the defensive position and with complete disregard for his 
     own personal safety and advanced across open terrain toward 
     the wounded soldier, exposing himself to intense enemy fire. 
     Sergeant Gdovin then reached the wounded soldier and under 
     continued fire, brought him back to safety of the squad's 
     position, where we was further evacuated. Sergeant Gdovin's 
     actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military 
     service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 101st 
     Airborne Division (Airmobile) and the United States Army.

  This is truly an exceptional story and I was honored to play a small 
role in recognizing Sergeant Gdovin. This ceremony was an opportunity 
to say thank you to all veterans. We can never forget that they gave 
their time, risked their health, and even placed their lives on the 
line. This not only means honoring their sacrifices, but also honoring 
our promises and commitments to them as well. Let us ensure that we 
honor and remember all our veterans, not just this week but throughout 
the days and years to come. Their commitment to this Nation is a 
shining example to all of us.

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