THE WALL OF FACES

Dear PFC Thomas Pruiett, Thank you for your service as a Rifleman. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Independence Day is soon. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

Thomas Pierre Pruiett, Jr. of Coloma, MI was born November 16, 1947. He dropped out of Coloma High School following his junior year (1965-66). One classmate recalls that he always wanted to be a Marine. Another remembers that he played football and excelled in basketball. A Private First Class (E2) with the 26th Marine Division, he was killed on March 31, 1968 in Quang Tri Province by rocket fragments during the fight for Hill 861. This was about a month after Phase I of the Tet Offensive (January-February 1968). Fighting in the province, usually referred to as the Battle of Khe Sanh, was brutal. Between January and July 1968, more than 750 Marines were killed and almost 5,000 were wounded. He is buried in Coloma Cemetery, Coloma, Michigan. He was survived by his parents (Thomas and Regina Pruiett), two brothers (John and Walter), a step-brother (Robert) and two sisters (Terry and Tina). RIP Thomas.

Dear PFC Thomas Pierre Pruiett Jr, 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 is buried at Coloma Cemetery in Coloma, Berrien Co, MI. PH