My walk today was dedicated in honor of:
Navy GMG3 Thomas S. McGarry, Age 26 of Springville, TN.
KIA Oct. 20, 1970 Vietnam
He is honored at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall on panel 6W, Line 13.
He was assigned to River Patrol Group 62.
Served from 1962 – 1970
At 2330 hours on October 20, 1970, the Naval Advanced Tactical Support Base (ATSB) at Song Ong Doc was attacked by what was later estimated to be a Viet Cong company reinforced with heavy and medium weapons. The VC started pouring in 57mm recoilless and mortar rounds from both the north side jungle adjacent to the base and from the south side free-fire area of swamps across the river. In addition, the VC were shooting 12.7 mm machine guns and small arms into the base. Rounds were landing everywhere and sank two riverine patrol boats (PBRs) that were tied up alongside. Air support was requested and offshore gunfire support from the Coast Guard ship USCGC Bering Strait fired at points south of the river. Enemy fire began tapering off after an hour. Damage from the attack included ten AMMI pontoon barges being hit and/or sunk. Buildings had for the most part all been burned from fuel fires. There were two Americans killed in action. GMG3 Thomas S. McGarry, an advisor with the 62nd River Patrol Group, was fatally injured when he was struck by a B-40 rocket as he attempted to lead a group of men to their PBRs within moments after the assault began.
Thomas’s ashes were scattered in the Pacific ocean.
We had a great walk today. We walked up to the Memorial Park down town and the weather was perfect. I want to thank everyone who waved, Honked, and saluted in helping me honor this hero.
GMG3 Thomas S. McGarry will not be forgotten !
