"This is a photo with Chris Long Henson - daughter of (LTC (P) H. T. "Jack" Long) 5th/7th BN CO - KIA 1/27/68) and Sgt Jim Thomas, RTO 5th/7th Bn - Jim was with General John Wickham when he was wounded and airlifted home in October '67, my father, and then LTC Jim Vaught, who was wounded in a mule that overturned with both of them in it.
He is the first person I ever spoke with who told me about my father's death. He had a toll free number listed on a 5th/7th page way back in 2000, early days of internet. I took a chance and dialed the phone number - I remember it was around dinner time - at some point he said to me, "Did you know I was with your father when he was killed?" He then gave me an account of what happened as tears poured down my face. A few months later, Charlie Baker came to visit me in my home. He was living in Atlanta at the time. I then attended the 5th/7th reunion in St. Louis, MO and met SGM McQuerry and the rest of the guys. I hadn't seen Jim since then and by chance visited Reno in August on vacation to Lake Tahoe.
I took notes of his Vietnam story and plan to write up all his Vietnam notes from over the years that I have collected. He also sent me his 6 photo CDs which I am having downloaded by a college photography graduate. Our local college - extension of University of Georgia - Columbus State University - is starting an archives of Vietnam soldier stories. We have a PhD Military History professor doing a Vietnam speaker series this year. I have attended 2 so far with professors from around the country speaking.
Anyways, Jim said his boys aren't that interested in his Vietnam history but I told him there were many people who are, me included. I was able to visit with him while I was not as emotional as 25-years ago and write down the story of a 19-year-old draftee from California who was plucked into battle. I can't imagine and had a much more mature appreciation of his story.
Anyways, the photo is attached. I can honestly attest he is a truly good human being. He worked for the same company for 40-years and lost his wife a few years ago. He holds a special place in my heart!"
- Chris
