Thomas Soliz

The database page for Thomas Soliz

26 Aug 2003 I still remember that day after 36 years and the great sadness of it all... From an anonymous platoonmate

28 Jan 2005 Thank you for remembering our brother. From his sister, Theresa Soliz terry_soliz@csumb.edu

The Secretary of the Navy takes pride in presenting the NAVY CROSS to Thomas Soliz Corporal United States Marine Corps for service as set forth in the following CITATION: For extraordinary heroism while serving as a Radio Operator with Company A, First Amphibian Tractor Battalion, Third Marine Division (Reinforced), in Quang Tri Province in the Republic of Vietnam on 6 September 1967. While on patrol, the Third Platoon of Company A was suddenly attacked by a numerically superior North Vietnamese Army force. Observing his Platoon Commander wounded and the platoon sustaining heavy casualties from a withering enemy fire of automatic, small-arms and antitank weapons, Corporal Soliz, with complete disregard for his own safety, ran about twenty-five meters through extremely heavy fire to climb aboard an amphibian tractor to man a machine gun. Knowing the safety of the platoon and outcome of the battle depended on his platoon gaining fire superiority, he unhesitatingly proceeded to place a heavy volume of well-aimed fire on the enemy which enabled the platoon to gain fire superiority, deploy to better defensive positions and evacuate several seriously wounded Marines to amphibian tractors where they could be treated. As he was delivering his devastating fire into the enemy, he was severely wounded by enemy fire which rendered him unconscious. Before assistance could arrive, Corporal Soliz was hit again and mortally wounded. Corporal Soliz's concern for the other members of his platoon coupled with his keen professional skill and unfaltering dedication to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

A Note from The Virtual Wall On 06 Sep 1967 elements of A Company, 1st Amtrac Battalion, ran into an ambush while on patrol. Three members of the 3rd Platoon died in the fighting, while a fourth died almost 6 months later of wounds received that day. The four men are Sgt Ronald A. Pattison Cpl Thomas Soliz LCpl Lawrence L. Gaska, died of wounds 03 Mar 1968 PFC Foster J. G. Touart

The point-of-contact for this memorial is his sister, Terry Soliz terry_soliz@csumb.edu  26 Aug 2003

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With all respect
Jim Schueckler, former CW2, US Army
Ken Davis, Commander, United States Navy (Ret)
Last updated 01/31/2005