Thomas Eugene Williamson

Tom Williamson is a true son of our Nation and his community. In his youth, Tom was a Boy Scout and member of the Civil Air Patrol. After graduation from Chico High School in 1961, he enlisted in the Marines. After completing Basic Training, he transferred to the U.S. Navy and trained as a

Hospital Corpsman. Tom spent 16 of his 20 years in the Navy supporting the Marines in the field. The Marines do not have their own field medical support. The Navy supplies it.

During the Vietnam War, Tom volunteered for assignment to Marine Force Recon and MACV/SOG (Special Operations). He wished to serve at the point of the sword. He participated in numerous highly classified missions behind enemy lines, including the Phoenix Program. He suffered numerous wounds in the performance of his duties as a Corpsman, one of which ultimately resulted in the loss of his right leg many years later. Tom’s work was of such notoriety that the Viet Cong offered a $100,000 bounty on his head, and he was personally mentioned by their radio propagandist, Hanoi Hannah.

While most of his service record remains classified, a partial listing of his awards indicates his extraordinary contribution to our nation’s service. They include:

MEDALS-RIBBONS: Purple Heart w/4 Gold Stars, Silver Star, Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Gold Star and Valor V, Navy Commendation w/"V", Joint Service Achievement, Navy/Marine Achievement, Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon w/3 Bronze Stars, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon w/3 Bronze Stars, Navy/Marine Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon w/3 Bronze Stars, Vietnam Service Medal with FMF Device with Bronze Star and Gold Star

He also earned four additional medals from the Government of Vietnam, Separate Parachute Wings from the Army, Navy, Marines, and Vietnam, Seal Team and SCUBA Devices, Presidential Unit Commendation with 4 Stars, Submarine Service Device (Dolphins)


He was recommended for the Navy Cross, but the recommendation was never processed due to administrative confusion at war’s end. Nevertheless, his numerous awards rank Tom Williamson as one of Connecticut’s most decorated living veterans.

In between Vietnam tours, Tom joined the White House Presidential Medical Staff for two years during which he accompanied President Nixon and Secretary Kissinger on their travels. This service is also largely classified, including a medal for his Presidential service.

Tom was medically discharged from the Navy in 1984 as a Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman E8, rated at 100% disabled due to combat injuries he received in Vietnam. His second career was also one of dedicated service.

In July of this year Tom Williamson was honored by the State of Connecticut for his military service and his Service to the community that he lives in. We was inducted into the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame. The Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame seeks to recognize those Connecticut residents, or former state residents, who have worn the uniform of this Nation’s Armed Forces, performed their military duties, and then continued to contribute to community, state and nation in an exemplary manner.

Tom subsequently graduated from Eastern Connecticut State University with a BA in Sociology and Criminal Counseling. He began public service with the Connecticut Department of Corrections, where he served many years as a counselor for incarcerated and paroled inmates.

His additional varied civic contributions include Masonic Hospice counseling, Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 18 at the New London Sub Base and volunteer for the Warriors for Warriors organization.

Finally, Tom found time to attend the Firefighter Academy. As a Fireman One, he was for years a member of the Fire Police in Waterford providing EMT and safety functions.

Ultimately, the loss of his leg terminated his ability to serve any further. The totality of Thomas Williamson’s life work is highlighted by an exceptional and largely classified military record, both in combat and as a personal aid in the White House. It is followed by a further record of tireless, selfless civic commitment to his fellow citizens of Connecticut.

This dedication for his plaque today is a just recognition of his exceptional life of service to his nation. I am proud to present Thomas Williamson.