THE WALL OF FACES

Dear CPL Thomas Earl Bailey, sir

As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for your sacrifice made on behalf of our wonderful country. The youth of today could gain much by learning of heroes such as yourself, men and women whose courage and heart can never be questioned.

May God allow you to read this, and may He allow me to someday shake your hand when I get to Heaven to personally thank you. May he also allow my father to find you and shake your hand now to say thank you; for America, and for those who love you.

With respect, and the best salute a civilian can muster for you, Sir

Curt Carter

THOMAS EARL BAILEY
Marine Corps
11/14/46 - 7/2/67

"Beetle" was born in Columbia and graduated from Columbia High School in 1965. He enjoyed playing baseball.
He joined the Marine Corps on January 3, 1966 and was a Corporal at the time of his death. Beetle died at Quang Tri Province from wounds received from a mortar shell.
He received the Purple Heart.
Beetle was survived by his mother, maternal grandfather and paternal grandmother.
Thomas was 20 years old and is remembered on Panel 22E Line 95.

From a Remembrance book, "WE REMEMBER, published in 1994.

Semper Fidelis, Marine!

A 20-year-old Columbia Marine was killed and two Lancastrians wounded in action on Vietnam last week.
Killed while on patrol was: Cpl. Thomas Earl Bailey, son of Catherine Krow, 327 Union St., Columbia.
The casualties brought the total of Lancaster County men killed on the war to 14 and those wounded to 39.
Cpl. Bailey died of fragment wounds of the head from a mortar round, Capt. Robert Featherstone, inspector-instructor at the Marine Corps Reserve Training Center, Columbia, reported.

ON PATROL

He was on patrol with B Company, 1st Battalion, 9th Marines, near Quang Tri last Sunday when he was killed. The youth who, according to his mother was slated to return home Sunday, had been in Vietnam since July 3, 1966.
A 1965 graduate of Columbia High School, Bailey was employed at the Lucas Manufacturing Co., Columbia, before entering the Marine Corps in January, 1966.

Semper Fidelis, Marine!

Thomas, Although we never met, I just want you to know you are not forgotten. You gave the utlitmate sacrifice, your life for what you believed in. Sleep well my friend, and thank you for protecting the freedoms we have today.