National Vietnam War Memorial & Captain Stempky, Vietnam Gunship Platoon Leader
Guests:
Edward T. Luttenberger, Communications Director – The National Vietnam War Museum HQ – MACV 1967-68Muleskinner 3, 242d ASHC 1970-71 Class 70-22
Captain Thomas. P. Stempky, Gunship Platoon Leader, Vietnam
October 16, 2022
National Vietnam War Museum
Located in Weatherford, Texas
From their website:
In 2020 there were 3 additions to the wall and in 2021 there were two additions, bringing the total number of names on The Wall to 58,281. There were also two service members who were repatriated in 2020 and those service members had their status symbols changed on The Wall. The number of Americans still listed as missing and unaccounted for from the Vietnam War stands at 1,584.
Name additions and status changes are usually done annually in May. However, the engraving was postponed to the fall this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. These service members will be officially welcomed home at the next in-person ceremony at The Wall.
For more information: www.nationalvnwarmuseum.org
CPT Thomas P. Stempky
Army pilot who served in Vietnam as a Gunship Platoon Leader with the 189th Assault Helicopter Company
Thomas Stempky was raised in Cheboygan, MI, and was drafted while attending North Central Michigan University. He was one of 26 men drafted from Cheboygan County in January 1966.
During Basic Training at Fort Knox, KY, he received “The American Spirit Award” which included a scholarship to West Point Military Academy. Instead, he chose Infantry Officer Candidate School at Fort Begging, GA, and graduated as a Second Lieutenant in 1966.
After OCS, he attended Airborne School. Special Force Officers Course at Ft Bragg, Ranger School, and Jumpmaster School in 1967.
In February 1968, he graduated from Rotary Wing Aviation School, and arrived in Vietnam that same month.
Captain Stempky became a Gunship Platoon Leader in the 189th Assault Helicopter Company. While serving in that role, he was awarded a Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross with 3 oak leaf clusters, Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and 26 Air Medals with “V” device. Tom was honorably discharged in 1974.
For CPT Stempky’s Silver Star citation: www.homeofheroes.com
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