Westley Thomas, a native New Yorker was born in the Bronx and raised on Staten Island. After graduating from Port Richmond High School in 1965 he enlisted into the U.S. Marine Corps and served two tours in Vietnam 1966-1968.On April 22, 1967, Corporal W. Thomas received a Letter of Appreciation from Commanding General, L.B. Robertshaw for serving as a member of the 1st. Marine Aircraft Wings Contingency Reaction Force.The Force had responded immediately on 24 December 1966, to an airplane crash in a populated village in the Hoa Vang District Quang Nam Province, Republic of Vietnam.120 Vietnamese Nationals were killed and 20 wounded. The Force provided assistance to the survivors and extinguished the blaze during conditions involving great individual risks.The letter was awarded for professionalism, devotion to duty, and courage. Meritoriously, Mr. Thomas received his Sergeant Promotion while in Vietnam and was Honorably Discharged as a Sergeant (E-5) in 1969.In 1975, years after his active-duty discharge Mr. Thomas joined the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves 6th Communication Battalion, Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York, until 1977. Today his service is memorialized on Building 92’s History Museum Tribute Wall.His military service awards are the following: Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Commendation, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal (w/3 Bronze Stars), Vietnam Campaign Medal (w/60 device), Vietnam Gallantry Cross Medal with Palm, Marksman and Expert Rifle Shooting Badges.Westley Thomas has a B. A. in Dramatic Arts from the College of Staten Island. Besides writing, now he dedicates his time volunteering to help veterans as an Advocate for Veterans Rights.Read more about this authorRead less about this author