Thomas Patrick Noonan, JrLance CorporalG CO, 2ND BN, 9TH MARINES, 3RD MARDIV United States Marine Corps 18 November 1943 - 05 February 1969 Maspeth, New York Panel 33W Line 067 |
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The database page for Thomas Patrick Noonan, Jr
Semper Fi ! FriendThe MOH says it all...When things were roughest - YOU stood tall! Your courage came as no surprise, When a boy - I saw it with my eyes. The USMC got "One Good Man" When it received "Woodside's Tarzan". Though you possessed great brawn and brain, You couldn't bear to hear a "grunt" in pain. So in fond memory, you do remain. 20 Dec 2004 You are gone from our presence, but never forgotten. You would be amazed that so many remember you, and that our childhood playground is now named for you. Till we meet again - Semper Fi !
Jack Lincks |
Tommy, we were together on Co Ka Leuye mountain, "Hill 1175". It was Feb 5th, a day that is forever seared into my mind. Tommy, your selfless act of courage was, well, inspiring to Jeff Fee, Tom "Charlie" Weaver, Frank "Chief" Goins, Barry Baum, Gundel, Lee Pully, all of us. We carried you and 16 other Marines for 3 of the longest, most terrible days when we all learned first-hand what "Semper Fi" means and the absolute true meaning of "Brotherhood". On Feb 7th I came down with cerebral malaria and had fallen into a coma with a 106.8 temp. I was medevaced on one of the two CH-46s that landed on rocks in the river to take out the dead and wounded. I came to as we were turning and banking wildly to avoid the triple "A" gunfire through the A Shau Valley. When I opened my eyes, I saw my brothers' bodies piled in a heap on the deck of the chopper. For several moments I thought that I too was dead. I was proud to be in such fine company. I slipped back into unconsciousnes and when I came to again, we were landing on the USS REPOSE (AH-16) hospital ship. It was then when I suddenly realized that I was sole survivor on this medevac. I feel so sad that you guys were killed. "Thank you" can never be enough for your selfless acts of bravery. I remember you each and every day.
Lord, Thanks For Marines, |
Please pass the word. Next year's (2006) Remembrance Service, conducted by the North Shore Queens Detachment of the Marine Corps League, will take place on 4 February 2006. Graveside Service, muster at Calvary Cemetery Gate, Greenpoint Avenue and Gale Avenue at 1000. Indoor Service will take place at 1300, location to be announced.
For information contact, |
I am a buddy of Tommy Noonan. I met him in Fort Hamilton, NY where we got inducted on the same day. We went to Parris Island together along with a group of other New Yorkers and on the trip we all formed an inseperable bond that was only reinforced by Marine Corps training. We went through training together and spent much of our 30 day leave together. At Camp Pendleton, when we got our orders, we were put on different flights. That was the last time I saw him. We partied hard and had great times. He was a very loyal friend who stood with you no matter what. In converations he said he was going to Vietnam for the ultimate experience and did not expect to make it home. I would appreciate hearing from anyone who knew him.
From a Marine Corps buddy, |
You were killed 38 years ago today. I've been to your grave, read about you, and know some people who knew you ... that's it. It would have been an honor to serve with you. Semper Fi, buddy, you're not forgotten.
From the friend of a friend, |
Tommy, through these long years I still miss you. I was so young when you left, I feel I hardly got to know you. Gratefully I met many people who knew you, and helped fill in some of the spaces. Through living my life I held you up as an example and tried to conduct my business as I thought you would. I wished you were around to straighten me out when I was a knuckleheaded teenager and to share in the joys and successes of my life as I grew into manhood. I wish you would have danced at my wedding, and have been one of my son's Godfathers just as you are my Godfather. I am grateful you did what you did even though it cost you your life. I understand being the man you were you didn't have a choice. Failure to act would have been a fate worse than death. Thanks for looking after me all these years, I know you've been watching. When people say "Noonan ... are you related to Tommy Noonan?" I proudly say "Yeah, he's my Big Brother!" Tommy, I'll see you on the other side, with all my love your little brother Danny |
Tommy, I knew you from Hunter College. I will always remember you and thank you for your ultimate sacrifice in this useless war. You were destined for greatness and I will always remember you as a born leader.
Love, |
Notes from The Virtual Wall
Golf 2/9 Marines lost five men on 05 Feb 1969 while operating on Hill 1175 near the Vandergrift Combat Base, A Shau Valley, under the circumstances outlined above:
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With all respect
Jim Schueckler, former CW2, US Army
Ken Davis, Commander, United States Navy (Ret)
Memorial first published on 20 Dec 2004
Last updated 08/10/2009