JANIS THOMAS J

CW5 Thomas J Janis was a potential VHPA member who died after his tour in Vietnam on 02/13/2003 at the age of 56.2 from Assassinated
Pike Road, AL
Flight Classes 68-19 and 68-31
Date of Birth 11/23/1946
Served in the U.S. Army
This information was provided by Douglas L. Tait, Don Williams

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

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

Burial information: Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA

This information was last updated 05/18/2016

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Date posted on this site: 01/11/2025