THE WALL OF FACES

On 4/4/2020 I was cleaning out the garage and came across the MIA bracelet with your name on it I had purchased years ago. My dad was a combat wounded WW II Marine (2ndMarDiv) which always made me a staunch USMC supporter. I read that your remains were identified and you made the final trip home. Thanks for all you gave in supporting your fellow Marines and soldiers. Semper Fi Marine.

Thomas Joseph Blackman

Silver Star
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
DURING Vietnam War
Service: Marine Corps
Rank: Private First Class
Battalion: 2d Battalion
Division: 1st Marine Division (Rein.)
GENERAL ORDERS:

CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Thomas Joseph Blackman (MCSN: 2398632), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Field Artillery Fire Control Man with Battery D, Second Battalion, Thirteenth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 10 May 1968, Private First Class Blackman was a member of a detachment of two howitzers at the United States Army Special Forces camp at Ngok Tavak in Quang Tin Province. In the early morning hours, the camp was attacked by a reinforced North Vietnamese Army battalion who penetrated the camp's defensive wire in two places and, utilizing grenades, mortars, B-40 rockets and automatic weapons, attempted to overrun the hill top position. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Private First Class Blackman unhesitatingly left his covered position and moved across the compound under heavy hostile fire to the portion of the defensive perimeter where the enemy attack was concentrated. Arriving in the area as an adjacent storage area containing 104-mm. high explosive ammunition began to explode, he ignored the danger from enemy grenades, small arms fire and detonating ordnance as he stood on top of the protective berm and delivered accurate fire against the assaulting North Vietnamese. For approximately thirty minutes, he fearlessly maintained his perilous position as the enemy attempted to silence his effective fire. Subsequently, he was killed by automatic weapons fire. By his courage, bold initiative and selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk, Private First Class Blackman was instrumental in repulsing the enemy assault and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Tom Boy, I think about you a lot as the years go by. I am so sad you died so young.

DEAR PFC BLACKMAN,
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AS A FIELD ARTILLERY FIRE CONTROL MAN. ARTILLERYMEN WILL ALWAYS BE SPECIAL TO ME. SEMPER FI. I AM GLAD YOU WERE IDENTIFIED IN 2005. WELCOME HOME. IT HAS BEEN FAR TOO LONG FOR ALL OF YOU TO HAVE BEEN GONE. WE APPRECIATE ALL YOU HAVE DONE, AND YOUR SACRIFICE. WATCH OVER THE U.S.A., IT STILL NEEDS YOUR COURAGE.. GOD BLESS YOU. MAY THE ANGELS BE AT YOUR SIDE. REST IN PEACE. MANY OF US HAVE BEGUN OUR JOURNEY TO EASTER. AND YOU ARE ALL IN OUR PRAYERS.

Dear PFC Thomas Joseph Blackman, 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, Sir

Curt Carter