The 35th Infantry Regiment Association salutes our fallen brother, PFC Jerry T. Thomas, who died in the service of his country on June 25th, 1967 in Quang Ngai Province, Vietnam. The cause of death was listed as Small Arms/AW. At the time of his death Jerry was 19 years of age. He was from Los Angeles, California. Jerry is honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Panel 22E, Line 64.
The decorations earned by PFC Jerry T. Thomas include: the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Bronze Star with V, 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.
Jerry is buried in the Evergreen Cemetery/ 204 N. Evergreen Ave./ Los Angeles.
Martin Jeffries
mjeffries10@aol.com
Trained together at Ft Polk, La
7529 De Foe Drive Cupertino CA 95014 USA
Still thinking of you Jerry.
Jerry and I flew to Vietnam together, playing cards all along the way. He was really fun to be around. I was so sad when I received a letter in 1967 telling me what happened to Jerry, that it has stayed with me even now. I was moved a few years back to include him in a talk given by me at church. It was hard to choke back the tears. So sad to lose good friends like Jerry. Martin Jeffries 8 August 2007
Aug 8, 2007
Bob Travers
rtravers@sbcglobal.net
Squad Member
4926 Sunshine Dr.
St. Louis, Mo. 63109 usa
I was with Jerry the day he died in Vietnam and was wounded firing covering fire for him. He was my friend and comrade. I think of you almost every day of my life and I will never forget you, my brother. May you rest in peace as the true hero you are.
Monday, December 13, 2004
(His Bronze Star with "V" Citation)
For heroism in connection with military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. On 25 June 1967, Private First Class Thomas distinguished himself while serving as a Fire Team Leader in Company C, 2/35th Infantry, which was engaged in a search and destroy operation near Duc Pho. Private First Class Thomas' team was maneuvering forward to cover the advance of the rest of the platoon when it made contact with the enemy and began receiving automatic weapons fire. Responding quickly, he deployed his team and began to return the enemy fire. He exposed himself to the hostile fire as he led his men against the enemy. Soon he sustained a serious wound, but with conspicuous bravery he continued to organize and direct his element until fire superiority could be attained. He fought on doggedly until the platoon was able to close and rout the enemy. Shortly thereafter he succumbed to his wounds. Private First Class Thomas' decisive reaction saved his team from heavy damage. His actions are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
|
