As a Vietnam Veteran myself it really means a lot to my family and me to find someone who knew my brother in those last days in Vietnam.
His name was Reginald Thomas. He served with A company, 1st Battalion, 12 Brigade 1st Cavalry Airmobile was KIA on December 17, 1966. The first service photo is Reginald and the second is of myself.
Reginald was the third of 7 boys, three of which served in the military. He was fun loving and outgoing with a very good sense of humor. He was 24 years old when he was drafted. At the time I was in Japan and recovering from wounds received in action. I remember a letter he wrote me when I was ‘In country’.
He was totally against the war in Vietnam but I was 18 and already in combat. In his letter he stated I was too young to be over there and if God were willing, he would take my place. Almost one year to the date that I was wounded, he arrived in Vietnam one month later. He made the Supreme sacrifice for his country.
The group picture is at a Vietnam Veteran’s reunion in Fort Bragg, North Carolina two months ago. I don’t know where the black mark showing across this picture came from, but I like the picture. I’m the third from the left and that’s my brother, retired Master Sergeant Richard Thomas standing next to me in the black tux. From left to right is Andrew Brown who served with me in the 173rd Airborne Brigade, retired command Sergeant Major Jackson, my first sergeant in Vietnam Black Horse. My brother Richard Thomas and I retired Master Sergeant United States Army.
We appreciate anyone who may have served with our brother, Reginald stepping forward and would love to hear from you!
~ Oliver Thomas, Vietnam Veteran, Company a, 2nd battalion 503 Rd Airborne Infantry 173rd airborne Brigade 64-66
We are very thankful to Oliver for sharing his story with Comes A Soldier’s Whisper veteran tribute page and invite you to share your service photos and a memory of your wartime experience.
FOLLOW US:
www.facebook.com/ComesASoldiersWhisper
www.instagram.com/soldierswhisper24/
twitter.com/SoldiersWhisper
www.JennyLasala.com
