Alpha Company, with about 100 men, was several miles northeast of Polei Kleng, South Viet Nam, (14.26N. - 107.50 E.) on May 25th, 1968.  We were patrolling in an active area of enemy infiltration.  We made contact with NVA forces, armed with rifles, AK-47s and 82 mm mortars.  We came under intense direct fire from enemy rifles and AK machine guns, as well as indirect fire from the mortars.  Sgt. Thomas Maloney, SP4 Lloyd Willard, and Pfc. Ted Brazzeal took cover in an old bomb crater.  Even though the enemy rifle fire was accurate, and mortar rounds were getting closer to their position, they stayed in the crater and continued to return fire.  Then, a mortar round landed inside the bomb crater and their lives were extinguished almost instantly.

Thomas was taken from his wife, family and friends at far too young an age.  Rest peacefully Tom, you are not forgotten.

Tribute from a fellow platoon member.