...OLAF THOMAS OLSEN

......


picture courtesy of  his sister Sandy Olsen

Major General Ryan presenting a Shadow Box and
Medals awarded to Olaf (Tommy), to Donna Olsen (widow)
Sister Ann Shirley Olsen  holding Danny and  Donald Scanlon

Major General Ryan presenting a Shadow Box with
Medals awarded to Olaf (Tommy), to Donna Olsen (widow)



 

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
Headquarters, 25th Infantry Division
APO San Francisco  96225

   GENERAL ORDERS                                                                      31 March 1970
   NUMBER   4149

 AWARD OF THE SILVER STAR

 TC  439.   The following AWARD is announced posthumously.

 OLSEN, OLAF T.   CPL (THEN PFC)
 Company B,  1st Battalion, 5th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division
 Awarded:  Silver Star
 Date Action:   6 March 1970
 Theater:   Republic of Viet Nam

Reason:   For gallantry in action:   Private 1st Class Olsen distinguished himself   by  heroic actions on 6 March 1970, while serving with Company B, 1st  Battalion, 5th Infantry in the Republic of Viet Nam.  While established in their night laager position, elements of Company B came under attack by enemy forces.  Immediately, Private Olsen manned a machine gun and placed a devastating barrage of suppressive fire on the enemy  positions.  With complete disregard for his own safety, Private Olsen exposed himself time and time again in order to gain fire superiority over the enemy.  When his supply of ammunition ran low,  he exposed himself to enemy small arms, rocket propelled grenade, and mortar fire as he ran across an open area to obtain ammunition.  During the course of the battle, Private Olsen assisted in caring for the wounded until medical personnel arrived.  His valorous actions contributed immeasurably to the success of the mission and the saving of several lives.  Private Olsen’s bravery, aggressiveness, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military services and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, the 25th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.
         Authority:   By direction of the President, under the provisions of the Act of Congress, approved 9 July 1918, AR 672-5-1, and USARV Reg  672-1. 

         For the Commander: 

         Official:                                                          JAMES M. CONNELL
                                                                                Colonel, GS 
                                                                                Chief of Staff
         William J. Winter, Jr. 
         LTG, AGC
         Adjutant General

         Distribution:                                                  SPECIAL DISTRIBUTION:
           D (Modified) Plus                                       5-TAGO, DA-ATTN:  AGPB-AC
           1-CO, 1st Bde, 25th Inf Div
           1-CO, 4th Bn, 23rd Inf 
           1-Div CSM
           7-Awds Br
 


Olaf "Tommy" Olsen Park

Dedicated in his name August 28th 2004
Pictures from the Dedication
CPL - E4 - Army - Selective Service 
25th Infantry Division 
21 year old Married, Caucasian, Male
Born on May 29, 1948
From MELROSE PARK, ILLINOIS
His tour of duty began on Jan 05, 1970
Casualty was on Mar 11, 1970
in TAY NINH, SOUTH VIETNAM
HOSTILE, GROUND CASUALTY
ARTILLERY, ROCKET, or MORTAR 
Body was recovered 
Religion
LUTHERAN & MISSOURI SYNOD

Panel 13W - - Line 113

More information on March 11th, 1970

If you have anything to add to Olaf's (Tommy)  tribute please email it to Randy@Bobcat.ws*
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