35th Infantry (Cacti) Regiment Association


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  CPT Charles Gordon Thorne    In memory of our fallen brother

"We few, we happy few, we band of brothers; for he to-day that sheds his blood with me shall be my brother"



HHC
1st Battalion
35th Infantry Regiment

Vietnam War


"Not For Fame or Reward
Not For Place or For Rank
But In Simple Obedience To
Duty as They Understood It"

National Defense Service Medal Vietnam Service Medal Vietnam Campaign Medal Vietnam Campaign Medal



The 35th Infantry Regiment Association salutes our fallen brother, CPT Charles Gordon Thorne, who died in the service of his country on February 13th, 1970 in Binh Dinh Province, Vietnam. The cause of death was listed as Helicopter Crash. At the time of his death Charles was 28 years of age. He was from Selma, North Carolina. Charles is honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Panel 13W, Line 6.

The decorations earned by CPT Charles Gordon Thorne include: the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Parachute Badge, the Bronze Star, the Air Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation.


Charles is buried at Heath Chapel Methodist Church, in Great Falls, SC.

(His BSM Citation)

Bronze Star Medal

For distinguishing himself by outstanding meritorious service in connection with ground operations against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Through his untiring efforts
and professional ability, Captain Thorne consistently obtained outstanding results. He was quick to grasp the implications of new problems with which he was faced as a result of the ever-changing situations inherent in a counterinsurgency operation and to find ways and means to solve these problems. The energetic application of his extensive knowledge has materially contributed to the efforts of the United States mission to assist RVN in ridding itself of the Communist threat to its freedom. His initiative, zeal, sound judgment, and devotion to duty have been in the highest tradition of the United States Army and reflects great credit on himself, his unit, and the military service.