THOMAS RICHARD W

LTC Richard W. Thomas was a VHPA member who died after his tour in Vietnam on 03/03/2017 at the age of 84.9
Wentzville, MO
Flight Class 56 Gary
Date of Birth 04/01/1932
Served in the U.S. Army
Served in Vietnam with 339 TC CO in 62, D/3/4 CAV 25 INF in 66-67
Call signs in Vietnam CENTAUR, STABLE BOY
This information was provided by Obit

More detail on this person: Thomas, Jr., 84, passed away on Friday, March 3, 2017 at Delmar Gardens North, Black Jack MO. He was preceded in death by his wife of 35 years, Joanne Thomas. Dear father of Dana Thomas and Richard (Cynthia) Thomas, loving grandfather of Sarah Claus and Michelle Claus, loving great grandfather of Aiden Hasler, dear brother of Robert (Mary Ann) Thomas and William Thomas. Mr. Thomas entered the US Army as and officer in 1955 after graduating from the University of Delaware. His primary military occupation was in aviation material management. He received his senior aviator's wings in 1964 after serving in his first of two tours as a "slick" Huey helicopter pilot in Vietnam. During his second tour in 1967 while serving with the 25th infantry Battalion, 3rd Squadron, 3th Cavalry, he received the Air Medal with "V" Device for Heroism near Cu Chi Vietnam. While taking continuous heavy enemy fire and without any fire support he poloted his damaged helicopter to the landing zone of a downed aircraft and was able to recover, without any casualties, members of the downed aircraft. Among many other medals, he was also the recipient of the Notorious Service, Bronze Star, and Air Medal with nine Oak Leaf Cluster. Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas retired in 1976 after 21 years of service. His last duty station was at the US Army Troup Support Command on Goodfellow Boulevard in St. Luis Missouri. Visitation will be Thursday, March 9, 12-3pm at HUTCHENS Mortuary, 675 Graham Rd, Florissant MO, followed by a 3pm service. Burial will be at Jefferson Barracks on Friday, March 17, 2017. Mr. Thomas will be escorted to Jefferson Barracks by the Patriot Guard, where he will receive Military Honors.

Burial information: Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery

This information was last updated 06/15/2017

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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024