THOMAS JOSEPH SZYDLO
is honored on Panel 24E, Row 1 of
the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
Full Name: Thomas Joseph Szydlo
Wall Name: THOMAS J SZYDLO
Date of Birth: 1/26/1947
Date of Casualty: 7/25/1967
Home of Record: West Warwick
State: Rhode Island
Branch of Service: USMC
Rank: PFC
Casualty Country: South Vietnam
Casualty Province: Quang Tri
Thomas Joseph Szydlo
Tommy was a good friend of mine; We were born on the same day. We went to the same high school and played football together. You couldn't find a nicer person; I graduated a year ahead of Tommy in 1964. Our paths crossed again in Okinawa, Japan April of 1967. I was coming out of church and Tommy was going in. I had no idea he was in the Corps; he told me he had just arrived in Okinawa. I told Tommy I was on my way south that same night and was having a few words with the Sergeant Major in the sky.I was heading out with the "Special Landing Force "Bravo" 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines. He told me he was dying to get to Vietnam. A little more than three months later, Tommy gave up all of his tomorrows so that everyone back in the states could have their today's. He never had a wife or children; Tommy lies atop a hill in a lonely grave awaiting his parents. It is such a shame to die at the age of twenty. Semper Fi Tommy. I will meet you in the next life...
Master Sergeant Hank Kawa
USMC Retired
