Thomas E. Aaron

West Point, 1951

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Jose A. "Andy" Chacon on April 24, 2010:

Thomas Elwood Aaron Born December 30, 1927 -- Died April 22, 2010 Thomas Elwood Aaron was born in Harrisburg, Illinois on 30 December 1927 and was appointed to West Point from the 24th Congressional District. His West Point classmates recall: "Tom entered the Academy with a slow drawl and a quizzical look both of which have spiced his fine humor, mature outlook, and complete understanding of and interest in both sexes into a pleasing combination of an all around personality. Aaron's interest in any undertaking, his quiet capability, and his easy camaraderie have placed him deservedly as well as alphabetically in the number one slot." During his cadet days Tom went out for Football plebe year, was with the Spanish Club cow and first class years, was a Chapel Usher, with the Forum, and with the Camera Club first class year, and was a Cadet Lieutenant his first class year. Upon graduation Tom went in the Infantry and after completing the Basic Infantry Course at Fort Benning, Georgia reported to the 503rd Airborne Infantry Regiment where he served from 1951 to 1952. Tom's next assignment was as Company Commander with the 32nd Infantry Division in Korea where he served until 1953 and was decorated with the Purple Heart for wounds received in action against an enemy, and the Combat Infantryman Badge on completion of his tour. From 1959 to 1962 Tom was on the Staff & Faculty of The Infantry School, Fort Benning, Georgia then in 1963 he attended the Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. Next Tom returned to the combat area this time with Military Assistance Advisory Group, Republic of Vietnam where he served from 1963 to 1964 and was decorated with the Bronze Star Medal for distinguished heroism against an enemy, the Air Medal for meritorious achievement beyond that normally expected, while participating in aerial flight, and a second Combat Infantryman Badge on completion of his tour. Tom was next assigned to Joint Task Force 2 at Sandia Base, New Mexico where he served from 1964 to 1967. He was awarded the Joint Service Commendation Medal on completion of this duty. Tom then was appointed G1 and Battalion Commander with the 7th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Division in Germany where he served from 1967 to 1970 and was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for conspicuously meritorious performance of duty in a non-combat situation. From 1970 to 1971 Tom served first, as Brigade Executive Officer, and then as Brigade Commander with the 101st Airborne Division in Vietnam. He was decorated with a second Bronze Star Medal for distinguished heroism against an enemy and a Commendation Medal for distinguished service after this duty. Tom's last military assignment was to Headquarters, Continental Army Command where he served until he retired from the United States Army in 1972. Upon retirement Tom was decorated with a second Meritorious Service Medal for conspicuously meritorious performance of duty in a non-combat situation. After retirement Tom has been associated with Consumer Finance Products as Regional Representative from 1974 to 1989 then with Consumer standards and Public Improvements with the City of Harrisburg, Illinois where Tom and his wife Barbara made their home.

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