More detail on this person: Thomas M. Tarpley From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to navigation Jump to search Thomas McKee Tarpley (4 July 1922 - 18 December 1986[1] in Muscogee County, Georgia) was an American soldier in the United States Army. He graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1944. Tarpley then served in World War II, the Korean War, and in Vietnam from February 1971 to April 1972 as the commander of 101st Airborne Division. 2nd Brigade Gets New CO Lieutenant Colonel Thomas M. Tarpley took command of the 2nd Brigade of the 25th Infantry Division Monday in brief ceremonies at Cu Chi. Col. Tarpley, the former commanding officer of the Rear Detachment (Provisional), 25th Infantry Division, replaces Colonel Lynnwood M. Johnson who assumed command of the 2nd Bde. almost two years ago, in July 1964. Col. Johnson has returned to Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. Col. Tarpley accepted the brigade flag under cloudy skies from Lt. Col. Milton H. Hamilton, 2nd Bde. executive officer. After inspecting the honor guard, Col. Tarpley said he was "delighted to be here and have the opportunity to serve you in the coming months." After the ceremonies, Col. Tarpley was congratulated by Major General Fred C. Weyand, division commanding general. "Col. Tarpley has served with the division since August, 1963, when he became commander of the 1st Battalion (Mech.), 5th Infantry. In August 1965, he became assistant chief of staff, G-1, and, in March 1966, became commanding officer of the division's rear detachment. The colonel was graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1944. He has degrees in Russian history from the University of Maryland and in International affairs, from George Washington University. Col. Tarpley is also a graduate of the Command and General Staff College, Ft Leavenworth, Kans., the Army War College, at Carlisle Barracks, Pa., and The Infantry School. Ft. Benning, Ga. He has been awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Combat Infantryman's Badge, American Defense Service Medal, American Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and the American Occupation Medal. The colonel served as a platoon leader with the 263rd Infantry in Europe doing World War II. He was graduated from the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth in 1954
Burial information: Fort Benning Post Cemetery, Fort Benning, GA
This information was last updated 09/08/2020
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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024
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