Tommy Ray Garton

The database page for Tommy Ray Garton

08 Mar 2004 In memory of Tommy Garton Tommy was a kind, gentle guy. We were not close buddies but friends none the less. It's sad to lose such a nice person, but he is remembered for his bravery. Just being there. God Bless and keep you, Tommy. Ronald J Avilla basicronii@aol.com

23 Mar 2006 I went to high school with Tom, he was a great guy with a teriffic sense of humor and wit! I too served in Vietnam with the 31st Tactical Fighter Wing at Tuy Hoa and know of the dangers that befell all of us. If we learned anything, it is that war is insane and meant for those who can best afford it ... the politicians. Let them fight the next next battle! From a friend, Larry Myers lsmyerstm@hotmail.com

26 Sep 2006 Perhaps Tommy's most outstanding character aspect was his friendliness to all who came in contact with him. One year ahead of me in school, his cheerleading enthusiasm sure made the football games a "blast," as we used to say. His loss is still felt. The following poem was written in 1989, and while it was dedicated to returned Vietnam POW Mike McGrath more than 20 years later ... it was Tommy and his comrades that inspired the words: The Cruciform Garden "Death Before Dishonor" A scarred bicep declares freedom's tab decades after the funereal drums lead them away--- Fading whispers, "Carry the Silk Swatch high," still ring in his ear--- Rocket's report screamed the fallen Patriot's name; Shrapnel and bullet bore the guilt and wept. From a classmate, Hogan High School, Shirley F. Hutton 273 Peach Tree Avenue, Vacaville, Ca 95688 sfhutton2000@yahoo.com

A Note from The Virtual Wall SP4 Garton was assigned to the 500th Engineer Company (Panel Bridge) at Long Binh. Tommy Ray Garton, Specialist 4, Army of the United States, was buried on 22 Jun 1967 in Plot X-0-4462, Golden Gate National Cemetery San Bruno, San Mateo County, California, among other men of courage and integrity.

The point-of-contact for this memorial is a friend, Ronald J Avilla Basicronii@aol.com

Top of Page www.VirtualWall.org Back to To alpha index G CA State Index . Panel 21E 20TH ENG BDE Index Webmaster@VirtualWall.org

With all respect
Jim Schueckler, former CW2, US Army
Ken Davis, Commander, United States Navy (Ret)
Memorial first published on 8 Mar 2004
Last updated 10/03/2006