11 Aug 2005 I first met Tom when I was in high school in Ohio. He was a couple years older than I, but that didn't seem to hinder our friendship. He was young, innocent, good-looking, crazy and fun to be around. He had come home from his first visit to Vietnam and we had a big party to celebrate his safe return. He later informed us that he was going back... "Why," we asked, "Why tempt fate when there is no logical reason to do so?" He felt that he was needed there. It was less than three months later that we received the sad news that our good friend had been killed. He was twenty years old. It's been almost 37 years since Tom left us. He never experienced marriage, children, grandchildren or even being able to grow up. I think of him often and want him to know that I have been able to experience all those wonderful events in my life because of him. Thank you, Tom, for being so brave and unselfish in the prime of your life. I wish things could have been different for you, God decided that you were needed elsewhere. Please, Tom, always remember that I am SO proud of you and salute you for giving the ultimate gift of your life; I love you. Someday we will meet again and reminisce about the "good old days" in Canton so many years ago. In the words of Dr. Alan Clark, "We took our youth from carefree play and placed them on a wall". My daughter (recently) was so very honored to touch your name on "your wall"; you are, indeed, a HERO to all of us. Panel 43W-Row 056 is an emotional high and low that brings smiles and tears and will forever hold a special place in our hearts. Rebecca (Dormire) LaRussa 16 Mar 2006 Happy 58th birthday, my friend!! Hopefully, you will have a wonderful celebration with all your comrades up above. I wish you could be here with your family and friends reminiscing about the good old days. I think of you often and am reminded that we are not guaranteed tomorrow; today is as good as it gets. Thanks for the precious gift of freedom today and (God willing) all of the tomorrows that will follow. I am so grateful for the sacrifice you made 38 years ago. Your memory will always live in those of us who remain here. God's blessings and peace to your family. Enjoy YOUR day, my HERO!! 16 Mar 2007 Happy 59th Birthday, Thomas Allan. Just wanted to let you know I was thinking of you and wishing you were here to celebrate the last year of those fabulous fifties!! How times have changed since you left us. Our children are growing up in a world so entirely different than you and I could ever have imagined. Is it better or worse? A little of both!! We are still involved with war, do you think we will ever be at peace? I hope and pray that it will happen one day. Celebrate your day and know that your memory will be saluted on this special occasion. Thanks again for the precious freedom you bestowed upon us. Rebecca From a friend, Rebecca (Dormire) Larussa rebecca.larussa@comcast.net

 

A Note from The Virtual Wall "D" Company, 1st Bn, 2nd Infantry, lost two men killed in action on 21 Sep 1968: SP4 David R. Latsch of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and PFC Thomas A. Mitchell.

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