On 13 Feb 1969, LCpl Thomas Creek volunteered to ride support for a truck convoy taking supplies to Vandegrift Combat Base. Ambushed on route and under heavy attack, the young fire team leader jumped out of his truck to return fire and was hit in the neck. Blood pouring from his wound ,Creek was running back to the convoy when he spotted an enemy grenade land in a ravine where some Marines had taken cover. He shouted to his sergeant, "I've got it, Mac!,” diving on the exploding grenade and saving the lives of 5 of his fellow Marines. He was 18 years old.