More detail on this person: Colonel Tommy Rayford Palmertree, 82, of Lacombe, LA, passed away on March 23, 2016. Colonel Palmertree is survived by his wife of 61 years, JoAnn Palmertree; two daughters, Judy Lynn Palmertree Kjorvestad and Kathy Ann Palmertree Lee; five grandchildren, Joanna Jensen, Stephen Thomas, Robert Kjorvestad, III, Christopher Lee and Benjamin Thomas; seven great-grandchildren, Colin Thomas, Caleb Thomas, Hunter Thomas, Sarah Jensen, Emily Jensen, Olivia Thomas and Sophia Lee. A graduate of Mississippi State University, Tommy received a commission as an Army Second Lieutenant. Overseas tours of duty included Korea, Germany and Vietnam. A retired Army Colonel, his military service of nearly 30 years began in 1956 and ended at retirement in 1984. He also received a Master's of Science degree from Missouri State University. He held many distinguished positions: 5th Battalion Commander, 2nd Brigade at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri; member of the 173rd Assault Helicopter Company (Robin Hoods) in Vietnam; Staff Officer in the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. Armor Officer Career Course; Air Traffic Control School; Fixed-Wing Aviation School; Rotary-wing (helicopter) school; Command and General Staff College, Army War College and Air War College; Deputy Chief of Staff in Seoul, Korea; Commander of the Jackson District Recruiting Center, Jackson, MS; Chairman, Department of Military Science, University of Southern Mississippi. Colonel Palmertree has been recognized numerous times because of his commitment to the Army and had many honors bestowed on him. Air awards include the following: Master Army Aviator Badge, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 2 bronze stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Air Medal with V device (Num-18), Army Commendation Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Bronze Star with 1 oak leaf cluster, Distinguished Flying Cross with 1 oak leaf cluster, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with palm, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with silver star, Meritorious Service Medal with 1 oak leaf cluster, Meritorious Unit Citation, Overseas Service Ribbon, Valorous Unit Award, Legion of Merit and Louisiana Service Medal. Colonel Palmertree was past Worshipful Master of Bayou Lacombe #459 Masonic Lodge and a member of the Village Church - Lutheran, in Lacombe. To all those that knew him, Colonel Palmertree was a soldier, teacher, patriot and most of all-a hero. He took it upon himself to help mold younger generations into being the best that they could be. He will be remembered and missed by all who crossed his path. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date and specifics will be published accordingly. Should you choose to do so, in lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Col. Palmertree to a charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family. An online guest-book is available at www.theneworleansadvocate.com. Arrangements handled by NEPTUNE SOCIETY NEW ORLEANS, 3801 Williams Blvd., Kenner, LA, (504) 464-3095.
This information was last updated 05/18/2016
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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024
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