THE WALL OF FACES

The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who knows the great enthusiasm, the great devotions and spends himself in a great worthy cause; who at the best, knows in the end triumph of high achievement and, at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while caring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold, timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat. Theodore Roosevelt

Still thinking of your friendship and service to our country

It's been many years since I last checked out this website. Motivated by family interest I see, for the first time, the incredibly detailed first-hand account of that horrible September day in 1969 written by LTC Hudson. That, in turn, motivated me to share pictures I had taken on the day of that patrol as they were getting ready to roll. I apologize for not sharing these photos decades ago. (Note, I did not participate in this patrol having secured a rear position with the company on LZ Buttons. I recall listening to all the radio chatter while this was going on, shocked and saddened by what I was hearing.)

E 5/7 was not accustomed to mobile patrols. More typically they conducted foot patrols. Echo company consisted of two platoons, unlike line companies with four. One was the mortar platoon that was mostly stationary. The other was the recon platoon that went on foot patrol. Being a small unit, three squads, enemy engagement was never an objective so casualties on patrol were extremely rare which made this day so difficult emotionally. On this occasion they were teamed up with D 1/9 for a joint operation.

The first picture, taken a few nights before, is of 1LT Thomas in the command bunker with CPT McConnell (in the white t-shirt). The remaining pictures show the patrol mounting up. I know many of the names in the pictures but none show 1LT Thomas or Jack Halladay as far as I can tell. Then-commander Hudson may well be in one of the photos but I did not know him so cannot pick him out.

Testimonials posted here, especially the one written by "Doc" McClung accurately depict how beloved 1LT Thomas was by those who served with him. He was a little guy, like me, but large in his leadership capacity and unbridled dedication to supporting the troops under his command. Just knowing him was an honor.

Dear Lt Michael Thomas, Thank you for your service as an Infantry Unit Commander with the 1st Cavalry. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Independence Day just passed. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it still needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

May this remembrance find you in the eternal Holy Kingdom of our Lord.