IN MEMORY HONOR ROLL

Machinery Repairman Chief Thomas Richmond Code was born October 26, 1940, in Bozeman, Montana. He was raised in Bozeman, Montana, and graduated from Bozeman Senior High School in 1959. He joined the Navy on October 5, 1959, and was a career Navy man with twelve years of service at the time of his death. Even though his premature death at age 31 cut short his exemplary Navy career, he was extremely proud and honored to have served his country, making the ultimate sacrifice. Tom was Outstanding Recruit at Boot Camp. He served on board the USS SIERRA, the USS DU PONT, and the USS SAMUEL GOMPERS. While stationed on board the USS SAMUEL GOMPERS, he was selected from ninety other Chiefs to serve as the Chief Master at Arms. He also served as a Navy Recruiter in Missoula, Montana. In Vietnam, he served with the Seabees and was assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion Eight. He attended Machinery Repairman "A" and "B" Schools and graduated as Honor Man from "B" School. His awards included the Navy Achievement Medal with Combat "V", the Combat Action Ribbon, the Meritorious Unit Commendation with Bronze Star, the Good Conduct Medal with two Bronze Stars, the Navy Expeditionary Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with Fleet Marine Force Combat Insignia and Four Bronze Stars, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Palm, the Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Unit Citation with Palm, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device. He married his high school sweetheart, the former Carol Lux, on July 7, 1962, in Bozeman, MT. They had a daughter, Kelly Renae Code, and a son, Michael Allen Code. They were 4 ½ and 3 years old at the time of his death. His children were his greatest pride and joy, and he was a fantastic father. He enjoyed photography, working on cars, fishing, traveling, flying model airplanes, playing cards, and bowling. He was wise beyond his years and had a wonderful sense of humor. He loved people passionately and was a friend, mentor, and example to all. He is sorely missed to this day by his family and friends. Thomas served with the Navy in Vietnam from March 1969 to November 1969. Less than three years after his return home, Thomas died as a result of Metastatic Pancreatic cancer related to his exposure to Agent Orange.