THE WALL OF FACES

Coming 50 years; Boozer.
Our sweat and labor for that dying NVA the night before colors my whole reality to this day. I’m hoping to serve together again.

Captain Thomas George Blair Jr., Served with Company A, 1st Battalion, 501st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, United States Army Vietnam.

DEAR CAPTAIN THOMAS BLAIR,
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AS AN INFANTRY UNIT COMMANDER. 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.

Thomas George Blair , Jr.
Date of birth: January 19, 1947
Date of death: May 29, 1971
Place of Birth: Missouri, Cape Girardeau
Home of record: Springfield Virginia
Status: KIA

AWARDS AND CITATIONS

Silver Star


Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Captain (Infantry), [then First Lieutenant] Thomas George Blair, Jr., United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. First Lieutenant Blair distinguished himself on 24 May 1971 while serving as a Platoon Leader, Company A, 1st Battalion (Airmobile), 501st Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile), in Thua Thien Province, Republic of Vietnam. While leading a small patrol, Lieutenant Blair's element came under intense machine gun fire form an entrenched enemy weapons position. Lieutenant Blair immediately moved to the front of the element to direct fire on the enemy position and was then seriously wounded by enemy machine gun fire. Although he was very seriously wounded, Lieutenant Blair exposed himself and directed his element in the assault on the enemy position. Despite continuous automatic weapons fire, Lieutenant Blair repeatedly refused medical treatment and evacuation until is element had successfully silenced the enemy fire. First Lieutenant Blair's gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

General Orders: Headquarters, 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile), General Orders No. 7205 (June 24, 1971)

Action Date: May 24, 1971

Service: Army

Rank: Captain

Company: Company A

Battalion: 1st Battalion (Airmobile)

Regiment: 501st Infantry Regiment

Division: 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile)

Dear Captain Thomas George Blair 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