Captain Leo Thomas, Brother, Unsung Hero

On January 11, 1972, future TLCBers Jimmie H. Butler and Jim Roper attended a memorial service for Leo Thomas in Georgetown, Kentucky. Jimmie had brought a group of about 15 AFIT classmates to honor Leo, a classmate from the USAF Academy. Jim had flown up in bad weather from Alabama to pay final respects to a brother met at Udorn.

 The following are excerpts of a note received from USAF legend Joe Kittinger

Dear Jimmy,

Leo was one of the best fighter pilots and gentlemen that I ever knew. He was assigned to my squadron, the 555 TFS. He and I flew together quite frequently on many combat missions in Viet Nam. We also would socialize at the O Club and once in awhile we would visit downtown Udorn for a beer or so. Leo and I were quite close.Leo was one of the most popular young officers at Udorn. He had a tremendous sense of humor and was respected by his peers and senior officers. He was the kind of officer and pilot that every senior officer wanted on his team because he was such a great person and officer.When I could, I always had him on my wing. We were a great team together and when we went up north I always would try to have Leo assigned to my flight.I was in the combat control center when we were notified that Leo had taken a direct hit in the cockpit and was shot down. I was devastated. From the reports that we received Leo had taken a direct hit in the cockpit from a 37mm gun. (a golden "B B"). There were no parachutes observed.I never met Leo's wife but I am sure that she is a special person. The USAFA should be proud of such gallant Warrior, Gentleman and American. He brought great credit to that institution.Leo was special.

Joe Kittinger