Thomas M. McLaughlin was born on August 27, 1946. His home of record is Bloomfield, New Jersey. Thomas graduated from Bloomfield High School in 1965. An excerpt from his yearbook stated, “…Tommy will don the uniform of the Navy after graduation.” His high school activities included indoor and outdoor track.
He served in the U.S. Marine Corps and attained the rank of Corporal (CPL).
McLaughlin was Killed in Action on July 7, 1967.
Source: NJVVMF and William Savino (classmate)
12/17/2024
Tom enlisted in January 1966 and trained at Parris Island and Camp Pendleton. He entered Vietnam in December 1966 and was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 12th Marines, known as the “Thundering Guns of Death.” During the early months of 1967, Tom was attached to the 1st Battalion, 9th Marines, known as “The Walking Dead.” He served as an Artillery Operations Marine, with a primary role in coordinating and conducting night raids against enemy forces. He participated in seven combat operations along the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), including the fierce fighting known as the “Hill Battles.”
On July 7, 1967, during the intense fighting of Operation Buffalo, Tom made the ultimate sacrifice. He and 16 other fearless and heroic Marines were Killed in Action when a PAVN 152 mm artillery shell penetrated their command bunker, exploded inside, and destroyed it.
Source: Harry McLaughlin (Tom’s brother)
7/23/2026
