THE WALL OF FACES

Tommy and I roomed next to each other in Magnolia Dorm our freshman year at Auburn. We were both majoring in aerospace engineering and taking the same classes. Tommy was a much better student than I was. He was already career focused and wanted to be an astronaut. He told me "the way to be an astronaut is to be a fighter pilot first". We graduated together in December 1968. I found out about his death, when I called his home in Waycross while traveling through in October 1972, a month after he was killed. There is no doubt in my mind that Tommy would have made it as an astronaut. He excelled at everything he tried.

I was privileged to serve as a fellow captain with Tom Zorn at McConnell AFB in 1971. He was the officer that we all wanted to be; A great Man!

I’m a volunteer at the VA, collect military memorabilia, & was gifted Capt. Zorn’s MIA bracelet in a bag along with some patches, etc. I shared it with my neighbors (Vietnam Vets) who gave me a print out from thus page, & we talked about him all day at the VA. I’m astonished by all I’ve learned about him, & simultaneously delighted/saddened to learn of the extraordinary man he was. I’m going to wear the bracelet indefinitely...THANK YOU Captain Zorn!!!

Thomas O'Neal Zorn , Jr.
Date of birth: June 14, 1946
Date of death: September 17, 1972
Place of Birth: Georgia, Atlanta
Home of record: Waycross Georgia
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 Thomas O'Neal Zorn, Jr. (AFSN: FR-3230388), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force as an F-105GT Pilot of the 17th Wild Weasel Squadron, 388th Tactical Fighter Wing, SEVENTH Air Force, over Southeast Asia on 17 September 1972. On that date, while escorting a strike force en route to a strategic target near Hanoi, North Vietnam, Captain Zorn repeatedly exposed himself to enemy anti-aircraft defenses in order to draw fire away from the main force. His courageous and aggressive attacks on two key surface-to-air missile sites enabled the American Forces to penetrate the target area defenses, successfully complete their mission and safely withdraw. By his gallantry and devotion to duty in the dedication of his service to his country, Captain Zorn has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Action Date: September 17, 1972

Service: Air Force

Rank: Captain

Battalion: 17th Wild Weasel Squadron

Regiment: 388th Tactical Fighter Wing

Division: 7th Air Force

Dear Captain Thomas Oneal Zorn 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, Sir

Curt Carter