Olaf "Tommy" Olsen Park Dedication - 5th Infantry Regiment Association Photo Gallery

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Presenting Battalion Challenge Coins391 viewsRandy Kethcart presenting Tommy's widow Donna Waller and sisters Lee and Sandy Olsen a Battalion Challenge Coin and a copy of the Michelin Rubber Plantation Battle on March 6th, 1970 when Tommy earned his Silver Star

Ronald M. Serpico307 viewsRonald M. Serpico, Mayor of Melrose Park speaks

Donna Waller260 viewsTommy's widow Donna Waller speaks of Tommy and thanks all that were involved renovating and naming the park after Tommy

Olaf Thomas Olsen255 viewsKnown as Tommy, killed in action March 11, 1970. in the Republic of Vietnam. While in Vietnam he earned the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service, Vietnam Campaign, Vietnam Gallanty Cross, and Vietnam Civil Action Medals

Opening Prayer Pastor Stephen Swanson244 viewsL - R Thomas D. Olson (VPD Treasurer), Denise Knox (VPD Vice President), Donna Waller (widow), Lee Olsen (sister) Sandy Olsen (sister) Donna Peluso (VPD Executive Director) Pastor Stephan Swanson, Ronald E. Glick (VPD President), Ronald M. Serpico (Mayor of Melrose Park) Len Gassmann (VPD Secretary) Randy Kethcart (B Company 1970)

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony242 viewsL- R Thomas D. Olson (VPD Treasurer), Len Gassmann (VPD Secretary), Donna Peluso (VPD Executive Director), Ronald E. Glick (VPD President), Lee Olsen (sister), Ronald M. Serpico (Mayor of Melrose Park), Donna Waller (widow), Donald Scanlon, Sandy Olsen (sister) Denise Knox (VPD Vice President) cut the ribbon officially opening the park

Dedication Plaque228 viewsDEPARTMENT 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

Randy Kethcart B Company 1970219 viewsRandy speaks representing the 5th Infantry Chapter of the 25th Infantry Division Assn. Randy was from Tommy's unit

The Tommy Olsen Family216 views

Len Gassmann213 viewsLen Gassmann one of Tommy's best friends and Secretary of the Veteran's Park District speaks. Len saw a dream come true in naming the park after Tommy

Tommy Olsen Park208 viewsAugust 28, 2004, Veterns Park District dedicates a newly renovated park in the name of Olaf "Tommy" Olsen, killed in action March 11th, 1970.

Presenting Battalion Challenge Coins207 viewsRandy Kethcart presenting Tommy's good friend Len Gassmann a Battalion Challenge Coin and a copy of the Michelin Rubber Plantation Battle on March 6th, 1970 when Tommy earned his Silver Star

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5th Infantry Regiment Association Photo Gallery

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