This page is dedicated to the memory of

THOMAS ALLEBACH SHIPE
PFC (E3)          U.S. Army

 18 May 1948 - 19 September 1970 

COMPANY B, 1ST BATTALION
503RD INFANTRY
173RD AIRBORNE BRIGADE

Vietnam Memorial Wall
on Panel 7W, Row 75

AWARD OF THE
SILVER STAR

(POSTHUMOUS)

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
Headquarters I Field Force Vietnam
APO San Francisco 96350

4 November 1970

For gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam: Private First Class Shipe distinguished himself by heroic actions on 19 September 1970, while serving as a rifleman on a combat operation in the Nui Mieu mountains in the Republic of Vietnam.

On that date, while searching for a Viet Cong Political Prisoner of War camp in an area known to contain many enemy soldiers, Private Shipe's element spotted an enemy soldier at the entrance to a cave and took him under fire. Realizing the importance of intelligence that could be obtained from inside the cave, Private Shipe volunteered to be one of two men to enter and search it.

After entering the cave a short distance he came under enemy fire at a very close range and was immediately wounded. He began to return fire in the direction of the enemy muzzle flash in order to enable his comrade to reach the cave entrance and signal for help. He continued to return fire until he was mortally wounded by the enemy fire, sacrificing his own life in an attempt to accomplish the mission.

By his valorous actions he imparted a sense of urgency, purpose, and determination to the men that ultimately played a key role in the success of the mission. His efforts proved to be the force that helped disrupt the enemy's mission and indirectly saved the lives of many other comrades.

Private First Class Shipe's extraordinary heroism was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

Bronze Star

Purple Heart

   
VFW Post 764
'Wall of Valor'
Plaque

   
Tom's award of the Silver Star qualified him for induction onto the VFW Post 764 "Wall of Valor" in 2004.  The plaque includes a military photograph of Tom, an illustration of the Silver Star medal, the narrative portion of his Silver Star award, and an artist's sketch of the battle scene when Tom was killed in action.
   

Thomas A. Shipe plaque
with Silver Star narrative
and battle scene depiction

Artist's Sketch

It’s interesting to learn why artist Randy McKenzie added Jesus to the battle scene on Tom Shipe's plaque.

While in-transit to Vietnam, Tom met a young lady on the west coast who took him with her to a prayer meeting one evening. This proved to be a life-changing experience for Tom.

Former Peters Township High School student Brian Hottel tells the rest of the story in his 2002 Memorial Scholarship essay:

“Just before he left to go to Vietnam, he wrote his parents a letter saying he had found God. In Vietnam, Tom was given the nickname ‘Rev,’ short for Reverend. He would conduct religious services for the soldiers in the field when a chaplain was not available. Tom had found a place for God in his heart during the war. His letters sent home said he planned to enter the Episcopal Ministry after completing his military service. He was a member of St. David's Episcopal Church in Peters Township."

To this day, Tom’s story continues to have a profound influence on family and friends.
   

Tom Shipe was also inducted into the 'Hall of Valor' at Soldiers & Sailors Hall in Pittsburgh, PA on June 28, 2003.  As his sponsor that evening said the following:

"Webster’s definition of a hero – “A man noted for courageous acts or nobility of purpose, especially one who has risked or sacrificed his life.” 

Tom Shipe was a hero at many levels:

• To his fellow soldiers, by providing spiritual comfort

• To the US Army, by proving to be a brave soldier

• To his country, by volunteering to serve in wartime

• To the Vietnamese, whose freedom he died defending

• To his family and God, for being a faithful witness

• To young people like Brian, who recognize his valor

• And to his Vietnam Brothers, who honor his sacrifice

Thanks to the efforts of student Brian Hottel, artist Randy McKenzie, and the work of Linda Fuller, Joe Dugan and Soldiers & Sailors Hall, Tom Shipe’s heroism will live on in the hearts and minds of future generations."