First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps
Thomas Farrell Eldridge was born on 28 November 1940, in Plattsburgh, NY, the son of Charles W. and Margaret L. Eldridge.
On 29 December 1965, First Lieutenant Eldridge was serving with VMA-211 ('Wake Island Avengers'), Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Amphibious Force in Quang Tin Province, South Vietnam.
On that day, 1stLt Eldridge's A-4E Skyhawk was hit by .50-caliber fire as he rolled in on enemy positions during a helicopter escort mission. Despite a leg wound, 1stLt Eldridge was able to drop his load of napalm and turn for base. His crippled aircraft crashed 13 miles from Chu Lai, killing 1stLt Eldridge. His body was recovered.
Badges and Medals
Naval Aviator Badge
Distinguished Flying Cross
Purple Heart with Gold Star
Air Medal with Award Numeral 6
Combat Action Ribbon
National Defense Service Medal
Vietnam Service Medal
Vietnam Campaign Medal
Honors
The name Thomas F Eldridge is located on Panel 4E Line 44 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall.
1stLt Thomas F. Elridge has Honoree Record 245269 at MilitaryHallofHonor.com.
Thomas Farrell Eldridge was born on 28 November 1940, in Plattsburgh, NY, the son of Charles W. and Margaret L. Eldridge.
On 29 December 1965, First Lieutenant Eldridge was serving with VMA-211 ('Wake Island Avengers'), Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Amphibious Force in Quang Tin Province, South Vietnam.
On that day, 1stLt Eldridge's A-4E Skyhawk was hit by .50-caliber fire as he rolled in on enemy positions during a helicopter escort mission. Despite a leg wound, 1stLt Eldridge was able to drop his load of napalm and turn for base. His crippled aircraft crashed 13 miles from Chu Lai, killing 1stLt Eldridge. His body was recovered.
Badges and Medals
Naval Aviator Badge
Distinguished Flying Cross
Purple Heart with Gold Star
Air Medal with Award Numeral 6
Combat Action Ribbon
National Defense Service Medal
Vietnam Service Medal
Vietnam Campaign Medal
Honors
The name Thomas F Eldridge is located on Panel 4E Line 44 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall.
1stLt Thomas F. Elridge has Honoree Record 245269 at MilitaryHallofHonor.com.
First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps
Thomas Farrell Eldridge was born on 28 November 1940, in Plattsburgh, NY, the son of Charles W. and Margaret L. Eldridge.
On 29 December 1965, First Lieutenant Eldridge was serving with VMA-211 ('Wake Island Avengers'), Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Amphibious Force in Quang Tin Province, South Vietnam.
On that day, 1stLt Eldridge's A-4E Skyhawk was hit by .50-caliber fire as he rolled in on enemy positions during a helicopter escort mission. Despite a leg wound, 1stLt Eldridge was able to drop his load of napalm and turn for base. His crippled aircraft crashed 13 miles from Chu Lai, killing 1stLt Eldridge. His body was recovered.
Badges and Medals
Naval Aviator Badge
Distinguished Flying Cross
Purple Heart with Gold Star
Air Medal with Award Numeral 6
Combat Action Ribbon
National Defense Service Medal
Vietnam Service Medal
Vietnam Campaign Medal
Honors
The name Thomas F Eldridge is located on Panel 4E Line 44 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall.
1stLt Thomas F. Elridge has Honoree Record 245269 at MilitaryHallofHonor.com.
Thomas Farrell Eldridge was born on 28 November 1940, in Plattsburgh, NY, the son of Charles W. and Margaret L. Eldridge.
On 29 December 1965, First Lieutenant Eldridge was serving with VMA-211 ('Wake Island Avengers'), Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Amphibious Force in Quang Tin Province, South Vietnam.
On that day, 1stLt Eldridge's A-4E Skyhawk was hit by .50-caliber fire as he rolled in on enemy positions during a helicopter escort mission. Despite a leg wound, 1stLt Eldridge was able to drop his load of napalm and turn for base. His crippled aircraft crashed 13 miles from Chu Lai, killing 1stLt Eldridge. His body was recovered.
Badges and Medals
Naval Aviator Badge
Distinguished Flying Cross
Purple Heart with Gold Star
Air Medal with Award Numeral 6
Combat Action Ribbon
National Defense Service Medal
Vietnam Service Medal
Vietnam Campaign Medal
Honors
The name Thomas F Eldridge is located on Panel 4E Line 44 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall.
1stLt Thomas F. Elridge has Honoree Record 245269 at MilitaryHallofHonor.com.
Family Members
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