Medal of Honor Recipient Brian M. Thacker Interview

One soldier had to stay behind. The small observation team at Fire Base 6 was under heavy fire and vastly outnumbered, and two helicopters were shot down trying to rescue them. As the enemy gathered for a final assault, the young officer sent his men ahead, down the long ridge that led to safety, and prepared to cover their retreat — alone.

There was, for 1LT Brian Thacker, no thought for himself. He stayed behind and fought, and then radioed for U.S. artillery fire in on his position – all to ensure the safe withdrawal of his troops. At last, wounded and exhausted, Thacker abandoned the base and disappeared into a nearby bamboo thicket. For eight days, without food or water, he evaded around-the-clock enemy patrols. Only when Fire Base 6 was recaptured by friendly forces did he emerge and seek assistance. Two years later in 1973, Brian Thacker was awarded the Medal of Honor for his valor, selfless service and leadership.

Today, the humble, soft-spoken veteran is one of the most active representatives of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, making frequent appearances at public events to honor his fellow veterans and inspire the next generation of heroes.

His Citation Reads:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. 1LT Thacker, Field Artillery, Battery A, distinguished himself while serving as the team leader of an Integrated Observation System collocated with elements of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam units at Fire Base 6. A numerically superior North Vietnamese Army force launched a well-planned, dawn attack on the small, isolated, hilltop fire base. Employing rockets, grenades, flame-throwers, and automatic weapons, the enemy forces penetrated the perimeter defenses and engaged the defenders in hand-to-hand combat. Throughout the morning and early afternoon, 1LT Thacker rallied and encouraged the U.S. and Republic of Vietnam soldiers in heroic efforts to repulse the enemy. He occupied a dangerously exposed observation position for a period of four hours while directing friendly air strikes and artillery fire against the assaulting enemy forces. His personal bravery and inspired leadership enabled the outnumbered friendly forces to inflict a maximum of casualties on the attacking enemy forces and prevented the base from being overrun. By late afternoon, the situation had become untenable. 1LT Thacker organized and directed the withdrawal of the remaining friendly forces. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he remained inside the perimeter alone to provide covering fire with his M-16 rifle until all other friendly forces had escaped from the besieged fire base. Then, in an act of supreme courage, he called for friendly artillery fire on his own position to allow his comrades more time to withdraw safely from the area and, at the same time, inflict even greater casualties on the enemy forces. Although wounded and unable to escape from the area himself, he successfully eluded the enemy forces for eight days until friendly forces regained control of the fire base. The extraordinary courage and selflessness displayed by 1LT Thacker were an inspiration to his comrades and are in the highest traditions of the military service.