Brian Thacker


Brian Miles Thacker is a former United States Army officer and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration for valor, the Medal of Honor, for his actions in the Vietnam War.

Military career

Thacker joined the United States Army from Salt Lake City, Utah, in June 1969. By March 31, 1971 he was serving as a first lieutenant in Battery A of 1st Battalion, 92nd Field Artillery Regiment. On that day, Thacker's base in Kontum Province, Republic of Vietnam, was attacked by North Vietnamese Army forces. He assisted in the defense of the base and, when evacuation became necessary, he stayed behind to cover the retreat. Trapped behind enemy lines, Thacker was able to evade capture until being rescued by friendly forces eight days later.

Medal of Honor citation

First Lieutenant Thacker's official Medal of Honor citation reads: