I am Dr. Tom Hamilton, formerly Major Thomas R. Hamilton (Centaur Six), the last commander of D 3/4 Cav in Vietnam and first commander of F Trp, 4th U.S. Cavalry in Vietnam. I live in Kerrville, Tx.
I took command of Delta Trp when the 25th Infantry Division was withdrawing from RVN and leaving 2nd BDE behind. When the 2nd BDE left, Delta Trp was re-designated as an independent Cav Trp. We were reinforced with tech reps, a medical section with a Flight Surgeon, and the rifles were expanded with former LRRPs members. They always left the best behind to cover the withdrawal of the rest.
I retired from the Army in 1984 as an LTC, earned my Doctorate in Finance from Texas Tech and taught at St. Mary’s University of San Antonio for 17 years.
I retired from there in 2004 so I am retired-retired and enjoying life in our relatively small town.
I enjoy the news of the Centaurs in RVN. Thanks for including me on the distribution list.
By the way, my son who was 9 years old when I returned home in 1971 is now an Army Major General. His mother reared him well while I was gone.
Tom Hamilton
Patrick Hamilton (His son, Major General Retired): I wanted to share a recognition he received at my retirement in 2021. He was awarded the Order of St. Michael from the Army Aviation Association for his pioneering work in developing combat aviation in the Army from 1961 to 1984. This included three tours in Vietnam, his time with the Centaurs being his last tour. I’ve included a couple of photos from the ceremony. I’m sure he will be pleased if you can post the update because he would never have done it himself.
