LTC THOMAS G DERRICKSON

THOMAS G DERRICKSON

Roy Spencer
Vietnam Veteran-Air Force Pilot
F4 Heroes
Capt. Thomas G. Derrickson II and 1Lt. John K. Hardy Jr. comprised the crew of an F4C Phantom jet assigned an armed reconnaissance mission over North Vietnam on October 12, 1967. Derrickson and Hardy were in the lead aircraft in a flight of two. Over Quang Binh Province, they sighted ground targets and radioed to their wingman that they were 'rolling in.' Shortly thereafter, the wingman saw a flash of yellow light followed by a fire and a cloud of black smoke. Attempts to contact Derrickson and Hardy were unsuccessful. Derrickson had graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1959, so was a seasoned pilot. Hardy, who had begun training after graduation from the University of Southern California, was a less experienced pilot, but both were trained in the Phantom. It is known that their last known location was about 15 miles south of the city of Dong Hoi. Anti-aircraft resistance was heavy in this region. Both men were d Missing in Action.
Dec 12, 2012

Connie Forseth
I purchased a POW Bracelet in the early 70's with Major Thomas Derrickson's name on it. I still wear it. He is not forgotten.
May 18, 2012

Janet Mosley
SOME ONE WHO CARES
GOD HAS HIS ARMS AROUND YOU
I was wondering about the date of death. Was he found and returned or captured and not returned? So many were POW's who died in captivity. I know he is in a good place now and feel for his family.
Jun 13, 2010

manny g
Fellow Veteran 69-70 An Khe
Union Gap, WA. 98903
“You are Remembered”
Peace and condolence, to the family and friends. “He which hath no stomach, to this fight, let him depart. But we in it, shall be remembered. We few, we happy few, we band of brothers!! For he today, that sheds his blood with me, shall always be my brother.” Rest in peace brave soldier, you have not been forgotten. (W.Shakespeare) May God Bless you, for your Sacrifice!!!
Mar 10, 2010

Nancy Lockwood
nlockwood@cebridge.net
Buckhannon WV 26201
I too, wore a POW/MIA bracelet for Thomas Derrickson and recently re-discovered it in my jewelry box. I wore it faithfully during the late sixties and always wondered what happened to him. I decided to visit the wall. I was hoping that his name would not be included. My bracelet identifies him as a Major and includes the date of 10/12/67. Like Wendy, if there is a family member who would like to have my bracelet, I would be honored to send it to them.
Feb 26, 2010

Wendy Huestis
I wore his MIA bracelet
I own Major Thomas Derrickson's MIA braclet and wore it during the early 70's when I was in 6th - 8th grade. During those years, I thought about him often and wished for his safe return, only just learning that he died while serving his country and missing in action. I found the bracelet recently and have just returned from a visit to the Wall. Through the bracelet and our visit to the Wall, I have been able to teach my children about the senselessness of war and the loss our country and others sustained. I would be happy to return the bracelet to any family member of Thomas Derrickson. Peace to all.
Apr 12, 2009

Malcolm Kirby
mlkdrk@earthlink.net
USAF Veteran-191st photo recon.
Rest in Peace, my Brother
You will not be forgotten...
Mar 10, 2008

Bill Gallenstein
USAF Veteran
Zephyrhills FL 33541 USA
A very proud cold war USAF veteran remembers you on this day. My God bless you and your family always. I salute you, Thank you
Jul 11, 2007

Allan Stump
idhogrider@hotmail.com
I met, then Lt Derrickson, when I was about 14 years of age when he and his wife rented my mother's apartment in Las Vegas when he was stationed at Nellis AFB. He was always kind to me and knowing my interest in airplanes always answered any questions and showed me his charts and manuals of the F-105's. Ironically we both served in Viet Nam. I left in Sept. 07 and he arrived shortly after in Oct. I think of him often and the ultimate sacrifice he gave to his country. Thank you LTC Derrickson.
May 28, 2007

Grateful American
Fellow Californian
American Hero
Another, aviator here, all alone and seemingly forgotten, with no comments, to his name. I'am honored and so very proud, to be the first, to give recognition, to this fallen Hero, in this venue. Thank you, LTC., Derrickson, for your ultimate, sacrifice. Rest well, brave aviator and rest assured, that you, Sir, are not forgotten.
Monday, November 15, 2004