The 35th Infantry Regiment Association salutes our fallen brother, SSG Thomas Dean, who died in the service of his country on October 6th, 1966 in Unknown Location, Vietnam. The cause of death was listed as Hepatitis. At the time of his death Thomas was 39 years of age. He was from Red Springs, North Carolina. Thomas is honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Panel 11E, Line 51.

The decorations earned by SSG Thomas Dean 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.

---

Thomas Dean's Silver Star is related to actions during the 8/2/66 2/35th battle. He was wounded at that time and contacted hepatitis from blood transfusion.

(Obituary from October 13, 1966 "Robesonian")

Funeral services for SFC Thomas Dean, 39, formerly of Red Springs, who died in Vietnam October 6 of natural causes, will be held Friday at 3 p.m. at Red Springs Baptist Church; conducted by Chaplain James A. Marvin. Burial will be in Lafayette Memorial Park, Fayetteville, NC.; with full military honors.

SFC Dean is survived by his wife, Mrs. Eva West Dean of Fayetteville; his mother, Mrs. Viola Dean of Red Springs; three brothers, SSG Carl W. Dean, Vietnam, Clifton Dean and Joseph Dean, both of Red Springs; and a sister, Mrs. Elosie Baxley of Pompano Beach, Florida.