<div>
<p>
It has been over fifteen years since <em>Harry Linsay Thain</em> was killed in action in the Republic of Vietnam, but his memory remains clearly in our minds. All who knew Harry respected him and his ideals. He was a grand classmate, friend, and soldier, and his potential for success in the Army and life seemed unlimited. But while pursuing his dreams, he was called to make the greatest sacrifice a soldier can make for his country. His death wounded the hearts of his family and friends, who take consolation in having known him and loved him.</p>
<p>
Harry was born in Freeport, Long Island on 22 August 1944, the son of Mrs. Evelyn D. Tripp and Mr. William H. Thain. During his high school years his home was in Zephyrhills, Florida. This was when he began to exhibit a wide range of interests and abilities. He was president of the junior class, a participant in the junior and senior plays, and a member of the yearbook staff and prom committees. He graduated from Zephyrhills High School in 1962.</p>
<p>
Outside the high school he was active and successful in a wide variety of activities. As an Eagle Scout (with Bronze plume), he earned the God and Country Award. As an Explorer Scout, he was president of Post 372. He also found time to maintain a motor paper route of over 1000 customers and to study for and obtain a license as an amateur radio operator and as a small aircraft pilot. (His interest in flight would later emerge as his prime military interest.) Beginning in his junior year in high school, he developed a keen interest in competitive pistol marksmanship. Over the next three years he won the Florida State Championship for .22-, .45-, and .38 caliber pistols, and won numerous trophies and medals at the National Pistol Championships at Camp Perry, Ohio. In this short period he had won recognition as one of the outstanding young pistol marksmen in the nation</p>
<p>
Sometime during these busy years, Harry decided that he wanted to attend the United States Military Academy; but upon graduation from high school in 1962, he was unable to obtain an appointment. Undaunted, he enrolled at Sullivan Preparatory School in Washington, DC, where he worked to improve his Scholastic Aptitude Test scores and thereby improve his academic qualifications for admission. He finished that academic year with a brief attendance at the University of Florida at Gainesville. Then he spent two semesters at Auburn University, where he excelled in the Air Force ROTC program. This dedication and perseverance finally earned Harry his much coveted appointment to West Point, and in the summer of 1965 he joined the USMA Class of 1969.</p>
<p>
Throughout plebe year Harry’s maturity and firmness of purpose proved to be a stabilizing force for his younger classmates. He set the example in academics with his intense effort and genuine thirst for knowledge. He espoused a strong moral code that was a model for all to emulate. And when his fun loving nature led him to accompany his classmates on their many escapades, Harry always assumed responsibility for their safe return. Truly, Harry was a special friend who had a lasting impact upon our lives.</p>
<p>
In his extracurricular activities, he excelled. He was a mainstay on the pistol team during his third, second, and first class years. During these years the team recorded an amazing 29 victories with only one defeat and regularly defeated Navy, Air Force, and the Royal Military College. Harry also found time to be an active participant in the Math Forum, French Club, Behavioral Sciences Club, and the Amateur Radio Club. Harry dreamed of some day joining the ranks of the astronauts. And when he dreamed, one of his fondest cadet memories was his selection to be an escort cadet for Colonel Edward H. White, the first man to walk in space. Colonel White (USMA Class of 1952) was Harry’s role model. Being involved in any aspect of flight comprised the major aspiration in Harry’s life.</p>
<p>
As graduation arrived, Harry learned that he would not be able to become an Army aviator right away. Though disappointed, he let it be known that it was only a matter of time until he would attend flight school and earn his wings. In the meantime, he chose a commission in the Field Artillery and attended the Field Artillery Officers Basic Course. Upon completion of this school, he volunteered for an assignment in the Republic of Vietnam (RVN) and reported to the 101st Airborne Division during January 1970. While assigned to the 101st, he served with the 158th Aviation Battalion. It seems obvious that in Harry’s mind he thought “If I cannot fly then I want to be involved in aviation in a support role.” During this tour of duty Harry’s commanding officer said of him, “as the only non-rated officer in the Aviation Company, 1LT Thain has shown an eagerness and a sense of responsibility that is an example for all to follow. His ‘Can Do’ attitude is phenomenal and he continues to display outstanding initiative in all areas of endeavor.”</p>
<p>
Upon completion of this tour, Harry obtained approval to attend flight school and reported to Fort Rucker, Alabama on 13 February 1971. His performance was exemplary—he was designated Honor Graduate of his class. Having received his wings, he promptly volunteered for a second combat tour in the Republic of Vietnam.</p>
<p>
He arrived in RVN in December 1971. Once again Harry performed outstandingly. For gallantry in action on 2 April 1972, Harry was awarded the Silver Star and received it directly from the hands of General Creighton W. Abrams, the Commanding General of the United States Army in Vietnam. The basis for this award for gallantry was Harry’s determination that no challenge was too great if a fellow soldier was in peril. Harry had volunteered to fly his CH-47C helicopter into a firebase near the demilitarized zone to extract some American soldiers. The base was surrounded by the enemy and was being pounded by an intense mortar and artillery attack. As Harry flew his aircraft into the besieged fire base, it sustained many hits from intense enemy small arms and automatic weapons fire; but Harry successfully landed the aircraft just inside the perimeter of the firebase. There he picked up the besieged Americans. After taking off, his aircraft again came under intense enemy fire and sustained more enemy hits. Then Harry skillfully flew the crippled aircraft and its passengers out of the range of the enemy gunners to a safe airfield.</p>
<p>
Unfortunately on 24 May 1972, just a little over seven weeks after this heroic action, Harry’s helicopter was hit by enemy fire and Harry died in the ensuing crash. On 12 June 1972, after funeral services at the Old Cadet Chapel, he was buried with honors in the West Point Cemetery.</p>
<p>
During Harry’s military career, he earned the Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, five Air Medals, the Army Commendation Medal, and Vietnam Campaign and Service Medals.</p>
<p>
Harry was survived by his mother, Mrs. Evelyn Tripp; his father, Mr. William H. Thain; and his sisters, Miss Judy Thain and Mrs. Bonnie (Thain) Goodrich. His family and his friends miss him dearly. He was a grand person, and his life epitomized the ideals of West Point. His memory and his example will live on with those who were close to him. May he rest in peace knowing that his service to his country and fellow man is not forgotten.</p>
<p>
<em>His mother</em> <em>and some classmates</em></p>
</div>
<p>
</p>