More detail on this person: His Black Hawk
helicopter went down in Colombia. Was shot by
Colombian rebels after leaving the aircraft. See
memo.JANIS THOMAS J Burial information: Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA
This information was last updated 05/18/2016
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Date posted on this site:
03/10/2024
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One of our own down in Colombia.
CW5 Tom Janis (USA Retired), was shot and killed
in Colombia last week. The following is an
excerpt from a MSNBC news article: "Colombian
soldiers and U.S.-donated Black Hawk helicopters
searched rebel territory Saturday for three
Americans allegedly kidnapped by a rebel group
after their plane crashed in the region during an
intelligence mission. Rebels shot and killed a
fourth American and a Colombian army sergeant
who were also on the plane, the country's top
military commander, Gen. Jorge Mora said.
The U.S. aircraft was on an intelligence mission
when it went down Thursday in a drug-producing
area crawling with fighters from the Revolutionary
Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC. The pilot of
the single engine Cessna reported engine trouble
shortly before the crash." Comments from Mike
Rose to the unit: "As most of you know, we lost a
Great American, a fine soldier and an admirable
comrade last Thursday in Columbia.
I cannot think of a finer man and a truer
gentleman than Tom. It is believed from a reliable
source: 'Tom did a good job putting the aircraft
down and all got out in good shape. They set fire
to the aircraft IAW their SOP and made it about
one and one-half miles before being overtaken by
the FARC. The Columbian national was shot
outright and Tom was probably killed while trying
to prevent the first shooting.' This is entirely
in keeping with Tom s character. There is no
double in my mind that he would not stand by while
an innocent man was shot."
Tom's wife, Judith Janis, Pike Road, AL
A memorial service is being held in Montgomery,
Alabama, on Wednesday the 19th, at the Alabama
Heritage Funeral Home, 10505 Atlanta Hwy,
Montgomery AL (334) 215-0180. Tentative plans are
for his burial to be held at Arlington National
Cemetery on Friday the 21st.
From: Jim Preston