The 35th Infantry Regiment Association salutes our fallen brother, 1LT Thomas Henry Gentinne, who died in the service of his country on May 12th, 1969 in Pleiku Province, The Rock Quarry, Vietnam. The cause of death was listed as Recoilless Rifle Fire. At the time of his death Thomas was 22 years of age. He was from Dearborn, Michigan. Thomas is honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Panel 25W, Line 69.
The decorations earned by 1LT Thomas Henry Gentinne include: the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Silver Star, the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation.
Burial:
Acacia Park Cemetery
Beverly Hills
Oakland County
Michigan, USA
Plot: S-222-W/2- 4
Silver Star Citation
Thomas Henry Gentinne Date of birth: January 14, 1947 Date of death: May 12, 1969 Place of Birth: Michigan, Detroit Home of record: Dearborn Michigan Status: KIA AWARDS AND CITATIONS Silver Star Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Thomas Henry Gentinne (ASN: 0/5352729/54965301), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. First Lieutenant Gentinne distinguished himself while serving as a Platoon Leader with Company A, 1st Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division. On 12 May 1969, Company A was in a night position near the rock quarry northwest of the Oasis. At approximately 2000 hours Company A began receiving incoming rounds consisting of mortars, rockets and recoilless rifle fire. Immediately, Lieutenant Gentinne, with complete disregard for his own safety, moved through the intense barrage of incoming rounds to better position his men for an expected ground assault by the North Vietnamese. Lieutenant Gentinne then directed his platoons fire upon the suspected enemy rocket, mortar and recoilless rifle positions. While courageously braving the enemy fire to better position himself, First Lieutenant Gentinne was mortally wounded by an incoming enemy recoilless rifle round. First Lieutenant Gentinnes personal bravery, outstanding performance and exemplary devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army. General Orders: Headquarters, 4th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 3075 (June 14, 1969) Action Date: May 12, 1969 Service: Army Rank: First Lieutenant Company: Company A Battalion: 1st Battalion Regiment: 35th Infantry Regiment Division: 4th Infantry Division
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