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Seldom are there persons of whom one has only good memories, but <em>Thomas Albert Dellwo</em> brings to mind only such memories for me. I am confident that everyone who knew Tom would say the same.</p>
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Thomas Albert Dellwo was born on 22 December 1946 in Great Falls, Montana, the son of James and Anita Dellwo. He was to have four younger sisters.</p>
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Tom attended school in Choteau, Montana, where he was active in sports, extracurricular, church and academic activities. In high school, he lettered in three sports, was president of both the student council and the Catholic Youth Organization, and was a National Merit semi-finalist.</p>
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Although Tom never mentioned to his parents that he was interested in West Point, he turned down a scholarship offer from the University of Chicago to accept an appointment from Senator Lee Metcalf.</p>
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As a cadet, Tom inspired the confidence and trust of his classmates. He served on the Honor Committee for three years and was active with the Math Forum and the Military Affairs Club as a cow and a firstie. As a junior, he led Company A-3 to the Brigade Cross Country Championship.</p>
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Tom’s greatest contributions at West Point, however, were his willingness to give so freely of his time, which kept him from gaining star-man status, and his gift of true friendship. All who lived near his room remember the cries of “Dellwooo” resounding through the halls as nearly everyone sought his academic wisdom. Those of us who truly needed his help to maintain the required 2.0 will never forget this aid.</p>
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After graduation, Tom was married to Laura Demers in Mechanicsville, New York on 27 July 1969. He completed the Field Artillery Basic Course at Fort Sill, and then successfully completed Airborne and Ranger Schools at Fort Benning. On 13 April 1970 Tom began duty in Vietnam. He participated in the Cambodian invasion as an advisor to the South Vietnamese Army and later commanded B Battery, 2nd Battalion, 19th Artillery of the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile).</p>
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While Tom was in Vietnam, Laura gave birth to their daughter, Susan, on 28 August 1970. Susan recently graduated from high school and is now attending Boston University.</p>
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On 15 March 1971, Tom died as a result of wounds received when a grenade exploded in his billet, less than 30 days before his tour of duty was to have ended. He was buried in Choteau and remembered then by the community in a eulogy written by one of its senior citizens: “Tommy’s death ended a distinguished career in civilian life as well as in the Army. No human comment can add anything to the silent gratitude and speechless reverence felt by a grateful nation for its young defenders.” This was commented upon by the local newspaper editor who wrote, “… those who have been personally associated with him knew Tom as a person of high character and morals. This is testified by the above comments by one of Choteau’s senior citizens, as Tom was known and loved by old and young alike.”</p>
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It is perhaps more of a tribute to Tom that my recent call to request news accounts from that same newspaper was met by the response: “Everyone remembers Tommy.”</p>
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And so I close with the sure assurance, Tom, that everyone in ‘69 remembers and wishes you well until we meet again.</p>
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<em>Gerald A. Burgess</em></p>
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