THE WALL OF FACES

Semper Fi, Marine.

Thomas Michael Skally
Marine Corps Corporal

Born: April 27, 1947
Died: February 18, 1969

Thomas Michael Skally was the youngest of four children born to Fray and Carl Skally. Our parents divorced in the early 1950's, while Tom was still a toddler. During the first year or so after the divorce, my brothers and I were separated, going to different relatives and foster homes.
Then, finally, the four of us were together again, living in a foster home in New Brighton, Minnesota. Tom as a youngster was always cheerful, and tried to make others laugh by doing silly things and such. Dad referred to him as the "Jerry Lewis" of our family. Tom could be very serious, too. I can still remember him, seems like yesterday, playing out in the yard by himself, pretending to be a soldier, shooting and being shot and falling to the ground.
We were all together for about five years, after which our mother was remarried and was able to take us out of the foster home. Tom and his brothers, Tony and John, moved to Chicago briefly, then back to St. Paul, and then ended up in St. Louis, Missouri.
Tom graduated from Southeast High School in St. Louis, Missouri in 1966 and shortly thereafter joined the Marine Corps. He was first sent to Vietnam in 1966, but later was reassigned to Hawaii, because his older brother was already serving in Vietnam. Tom was eventually sent back to Vietnam in January, 1969, and was fatally wounded on February 18, 1969 during an operation on Russell Beach. He is buried at the Jefferson Barracks Cemetery in St. Louis, Missouri. Tom was awarded the Purple Heart, Good Conduct, National Defense Medal, Vietnam Campaign Ribbon, and Expert Rifleman Badge.
He is survived by three brothers, Tony Skally, John Skally, and Edward Davies; three sisters, Joy Skally Weiss, Rhody Davies, and Robin Davies; and his stepfather, Robert F. Davies. He is sadly and greatly missed by his family.

Joy Skally Weiss, sister of Thomas Skally

From "The Faces Behind the Names," by Don Ward

Semper Fidelis, Marine!

Thomas is buried at Jefferson Barracks Nat Cem.

Although we never met personally, I want to thank you Thomas Michael Skally, for your courageous and valiant service, faithful contribution, and your most holy sacrifice given to this great country of ours!

Your Spirit is alive--and strong, therefore Marine, you shall never be forgotten, nor has your death been in vain!

Again, thank you Corporal Thomas Michael Skally, for a job well done!

REST IN ETERNAL PEACE MY MARINE FRIEND

Once when Tommy was home on leave, he took me out for the day
riding the double decker bus near Forest Park. I think of him
daily. I never understood the war until I got older, & never
got to say Thank you.