Raised in Pennington Gap, VA., Tommy ran away and joined the Marines right after his 18th birthday in 1934, just days after his older brother had been killed in a mine accident - the only job opportunity that awaited Tommy in the dirt poor Appalachians during those days. Three years later, while serving as personal bodyguard to President Roosevelt at Warm Springs, GA., Tommy met my fiance's Aunt Lois who, like Roosevelt, was there for the healing powers of the hot springs for a polio condition.
Tommy was stationed at the Marine Barracks Ford Island in Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. After that harrowing experience he promptly returned stateside and married his sweetheart before embarking on a series of adventures spanning the European theater, seeing action in Italy, North Africa and the Mediterranean. He participated in the allied landings at Sicily and Salerno and actually accepted the surrender of German Forces at the Chateau d"If, off the coast of France. The Chateau d"if was the infamous site of imprisonment of Edmond Dantes as the Count of Monte Christo.
Following WWII, Tommy was stationed at Camp Pendleton and moved his family to a 7 acre lime grove outside of Vista, where he eventually retired to and died.
The Colonel also participated in the amphibious landing at Inchon during his service in the Korean conflict and was Commanding Officer of the Marine Barracks in Subic Bay, The Phillipines during our country's run-up to the Vietnam War. He also served stints at the Pentagon and various other duty rosters before his final assignment to Camp Pendleton again, preceding his retirement after 33 years of duty.
The exploits of the Colonel are the stuff of wartime legend, yet when importuned in later years by grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he would relate these exploits in detailed yet textbook fashion, not glamorizing the war nor the heroic efforts of himself and so many of his counterparts during those days. During his career he compiled a record of awards and medals that is exhaustive including a Bronze Star Medal of Valor.
Following his retirement in 1964, Tommy raised limes in his grove in Vista and traveled the country with his family making memories with a whole new generation. His seven grandchildren, ranging from early 30's to late 40's gave glowing and emotional tributes to their grandfather during the memorial. He was a family man of great love and devotion.
In their stately and traditional fashion, the marine Corp. also saluted this old hero in a very emotional ceremony marking the passing of one of their own, a man of duty and honor, from a generation where that was applauded and respected. As befits one of the legendary 'Canon Cockers, Col. Thompsons ashes will be interred in an old Howitzer shell.
I'm not a military kind of guy myself but I found myself thanking the powers that be for people like Tommy Thompson. But for his quiet and selfless efforts, our world today would be a different place. Our leaders today could benefit greatly by spending time with the likes of Colonel Thompson before they're all gone, listening to the wisdom of our elders and learning about personal responsibility and duty and honor. rather than inflating their own meager accomplishments and advocating dishonor to those who keep us safe.
Gene
Wunderlich - Selling Southwest California Homes including
Temecula, Murrieta & The Southern California Wine Country
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