Tommy Thompson
Yesterday
I had the privilege to attend a memorial service for a Marine. Colonel
Robert A. 'Tommy' Thompson was my fiance's Uncle. He was 92.
I never had the
opportunity to meet The Colonel. My loss. By all indications, he had a
spectacular career, a wonderful life and was the kind of stand-up guy
that defined out nation during some of it's proudest moments.
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
A deserving tribute to a veteran soldier and family man. We should all be thankful so many of them are here with us.
Semper Fidelis.
We all need to recognize our Veterns. We would not be who we are without them!