Obituary on Richard W. Thomas Jr
1 April 1932 - 3 March 2017
Richard Thomas, Jr., 84, passed away on Friday, March 3, 2017 at Delmar Gardens North, Black Jack MO.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 35 years, Joanne Thomas. Dear father of Dana Thomas and Richard (Cynthia) Thomas, loving grandfather of Sarah Claus and Michelle Claus, loving great grandfather of Aiden Hasler, dear brother of Robert (Mary Ann) Thomas and William Thomas.
Mr. Thomas entered the US Army as an officer in 1955 after graduating from the University of Delaware. His primary military occupation was in aviation material management. He received his senior aviator's wings in 1964 after serving in his first of two tours as a "slick" Huey helicopter pilot in Vietnam.
During his second tour in 1967 while serving with the 25th infantry Battalion, 3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry, he received the Air Medal with "V" Device for Heroism near Cu Chi Vietnam. While taking continuous heavy enemy fire and without any fire support he piloted his damaged helicopter to the landing zone of a downed aircraft and was able to recover, without any casualties, members of the downed aircraft.
Among many other medals, he was also the recipient of the Notorious Service, Bronze Star, and Air Medal with nine Oak Leaf Clusters.
Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas retired in 1976 after 21 years of service. His last duty station was at the US Army Troop Support Command on Goodfellow Boulevard in St. Louis Missouri.
Visitation will be Thursday, March 9, 12-3pm at HUTCHENS Mortuary, 675 Graham Rd, Florissant MO, followed by a 3pm service.
Burial will be at Jefferson Barracks on Friday, March 17, 2017
Mr. Thomas will be escorted to Jefferson Barracks by the Patriot Guard, where he will receive Military Honors.