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Captain <em>Terence Fairchild Sage</em> was killed in action on the outskirts of Saigon on 31 January 1968 while serving as senior advisor to the 8th Battalion of the South Vietnamese Airborne Division. The citation accompanying his posthumous award of the Silver Star for his last action reads in part: “On January 31, 1968 a well-equipped Viet Cong force entered and occupied the compound of the Vietnamese Joint General Staff Headquarters. Captain Sage accompanied a reaction force that had been given the mission of clearing the headquarters.</p>
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“When the first attack was stopped, Captain Sage unhesitatingly volunteered to accompany a second attack on the enemy position. Mounting the top of an armored car, he rode into the area of fiercest fighting, fearlessly exposing himself to intense enemy fire as he directed air strikes and co-ordinated the offensive efforts of units deployed in the area. As the unit neared the Viet Cong strongpoint, overwhelming rocket, recoilless rifle and automatic weapons fire was directed at the armored cars. It was at this time that an exploding recoilless rifle round mortally wounded Captain Sage."</p>
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Those who knew Terry Sage and were aware of his qualities of unselfishness, devotion to duty, and compassion for others would have expected him to give everything he had for the advancement of a noble and just cause, that of helping an oppressed people retain their freedom. It was fitting that his last deed on earth should be a testimonial to his love of his country and his fellow man.</p>
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Terry was born in Tacoma, Washington, on 8 June 1942, the son of a career Army officer. Perhaps it was the challenge of the life of an “Army brat” the moving from post to post and the constant exposure to military lore and traditions that prompted him to seek a career as an Army officer. More than that, though, it was a need that he felt for leading others in the service of his country. After graduation from high school in Leavenworth, Kansas, Terry entered the United States Military Academy, one of the youngest men of the Class of 1963.</p>
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Terry was a dedicated cadet in all aspects of academy life—studies, athletics, leadership, and extracurricular activities. Aside from the perceptiveness and keeness of mind and spirit which permitted him to excel, he was also blessed with an equanimity and sense of humor which helped to mitigate the austerity of cadet life for those around him and to give comfort and inspiration to those who faltered. It was these qualities which caused him to be chosen a Cadet Captain and Battalion Commander by his First Class year.</p>
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It was during an exchange weekend during his Second Class year that Terry met Grace John, a secretary to Congressman Joel Broyhill of Virginia, on a visit to Annapolis. Mutual interest grew into love, and they were married on 20 July 1963 in Washington, D.C.</p>
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After his graduation and commissioning in the Infantry, Terry completed the Basic Infantry Officers’ Course, Airborne, and Ranger training. He then assumed command of an airborne unit of the 1st Battalion, 509th Infantry, in Mainz, Germany. He and Grace returned to the United States in 1966, when he was assigned to command an Infantry Advanced Individual Training Company at Fort Polk, Lousiana. Their daughter Stephanie was born there on 1 December 1966. After instruction in the Vietnamese language at Fort Bliss, he reported for duty in Vietnam in August 1967.</p>
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Terry’s letters reflected the immense pride he had in his Vietnamese counterparts, and his devotion to the cause in which he so sincerely believed. He would tell of the hardships of combat and the suffering which is always wrought by war, but at the same time could relate humorous, everyday incidents which seemed to make life more bearable for him and his men. Terry’s military skill plus his ability to communicate with his men and to understand their feelings were the bases of the mutual love and respect which helped to mold the 8th Battalion into a highly effective fighting forcc. It was fitting, therefore, that the 8th Battalion would be in Saigon on that fateful January day to help stem the murderous Tet offensive—and that Terry Sage would be up front, ready to risk his life so that others could live in freedom.</p>
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Because Terry is gone, there is a void in the lives of his family, his classmates, and his many friends which will never completely be filled. However, this void will at least be partially bridged by our pride, and by the wonderful memories we have of him. As a loving son and brother, husband and father, dedicated officer and loyal friend, he enriched the lives of everyone who knew him.</p>
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On 12 February 1968 Terry was brought back to West Point where he now rests along with other members of the Long Gray Line who unselfishly gave their lives in defense of freedom.</p>
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<em>—His brother, J.M. Sage Jr. ex Class of 1963</em><br />
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