In Honored Remembrance
Posted for: SAMUEL KAMU TOOMEY III:
From a contemporary press report: March 26, 1990

The Army believes that the remains of Major Samuel K.
Toomey III were among those laid to rest Friday in a
group burial at Arlington National Cemetery. But
Toomey's parents still have not given up hope of seeing
their son alive again.

''Until we see a body, it will be difficult to convince us that he's really dead,'' said Samuel K. Toomey Jr., a retired Army colonel who lived in Independence, Mo., for years before moving to Sun City, Ariz.

''As a parent you always have hope. I can't give up that stand. Neither can my wife.''

Samuel Toomey III disappeared in 1968 when his helicopter was shot down over Laos. Last year, searchers returned with evidence from the crash site, and experts were able to identify the remains of one of the nine crew
members. The rest of the evidence was inconclusive, so
the Army and relatives agreed to have a group burial. The burial ''was one of the most beautiful experiences we've ever had,'' Samuel Toomey Jr. said Sunday night.

''We're very pleased with what the Army did.''

Toomey's refusal to abandon hope stems partly from his experience during the Korean War, where he commanded a battalion. After the Chinese attacked his soldiers, he declared one of his company commanders killed in action.
Searchers found nothing on the battlefield except the commanders's dog tags and watch.

But about five years later, Toomey ran into the commander while walking down a hallway in the Pentagon. The soldier had been captured by the Chinese and later was released.

''I was shocked,'' Toomey said. ''I told him, 'You're supposed to be dead.' ''
Posted by: Michael Robert Patterson
Email: Webmaster@arlingtoncemetery.com
Relationship: A Grateful American
Monday, April 5, 1999
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