Thomas Blagg Obituary

I was an ROTC classmate of Tom's at Arkansas State College in the mid-1950s. Even then he demonstrated leadership in everything he did, whether it was in the classroom, on the football field, or on the ROTC drill grounds. I am gratified but hardly surprised by his enormous accomplishments in his 27 years of military service.

Colonel Blagg was the Division Chief of Staff while I was on the Commanding General's personal staff (MG Monterey then MG Hudachek) He was THE funniest officer I ever knew- full of wit. During one general's staff meeting, one of his G-staff (division section head) suggested an idea that was a tad bit over the top. Colonel Blagg responded, "Ken, that's like asking an elephant to incubate the eggs in a robin's nest." I got the giggles SO bad, everyone had to start laughing. Keep in mind this was back in the late 70's/early 80's so I was the only female Army officer on the general's staff- so when I got the giggles, it was in a room full of guys. Colonel Blagg just grinned and carried on with the meeting, gently nixxing the idea. Always classy, always people oriented, and super smart. The real deal and still in my mind years later (I'm 68 years old now) when I recall fond memories of the general's staffers. Hope your family REALLY knows how well liked he was, and respected as a person- not just a colonel. Rest in piece Colonel.

LTC Blagg was our battalion commander in Viet Nam in '71 and '72. I was a young ROTC engineering officer helping build fire bases, demo enemy bunkers, cut landing and pick up zones. We were all Cav officers and we liked that. LTC Blagg lost one of his chinook copters and 34 men on their way to an in country R& R at Vung Tau. Tragic. Things were winding down and I suspect most of those guys were on their way home. Rest in Peace! Mike Essling 219 851 6697

I was with Captain Blagg on his first Vietnam deployment in 1964. He was the leader of our 12 man Special Forces A-Team. We spent several months isolated in the small village of Tan Phu on the edge of the U-Minh Forest in the Mekong Delta. Later, we moved to another small village called Don Phuc which was near the Cambodia border. Our mission was to intercept North Vietnamese soldiers crossing the river into Vietnam. Captain Blagg was leading a small Vietnamese militia patrol that we had trained when they were ambushed by a much larger North Vietnamese force. It was a fierce battle. However, Captain Blagg was able to rally his outnumbered troops and repel the enemy back across the river into Cambodia. There were many casualties. Captain Blagg himself was seriously wounded. His valor that day earned him a Silver Star. The last time I ever saw Captain Blagg was just before he was medically evacuated back to the States.
I see now in his obituary that he was only 6 years older than me. He was just approaching his 30th birthday in 1964 as the leader of our Special Forces A-Team. However, he exhibited quiet, but firm, leadership qualities even at such a young age. As the saying goes, "I (and anyone on our team) would have followed and trusted him anywhere, back there in 1964 - - - and we did. "My sympathies to his family. I am sure he will be missed greatly."

Condolences to the Blagg family. It was my great privilege to serve in the Office of the Chief of Staff, 4th ID, when Col Blagg was the Chief of Staff, affectionately, "the Chief." I was a young Lt/Cpt. Almost every day I learned something about being a soldier, an officer, and a person from Col Blagg. He made me better in all three. We all admired him. Great leader and mentor. RIP, Chief. Thank you!

John L. Easterwood
1st BN, 8th United States Infantry
4th Infantry Division

Not just the finest combat commander I served under, but the finest man, a Father figure I have tried to emulate my whole life. Rest In Peace, Sir, you will be missed by me every day. Paul Cowan, Recon, 2/8 Air Cav. Airborne, All The Way!

One morning deep in the "bush" in Vietnam, LTC Blagg's command chopper landed near our rifle company's position. He was visiting his units in the field, giving support to the men serving there. I was attached to the grunts as their artillery forward observer. LTC Blagg walked right up to me and said, "I've heard good things about you, red leg". I was walking on air. Those thoughtful words of a great warrior and leader are still in my head today, over 50 years later. I ran into him several years later at Ft Carson, where he was stationed and I was serving in the National Guard. In the instant that it took me to recognize him, he broke into a craggy smile, and said " how ya been, red leg". You can't teach that kind of leadership. Of all the CO's I worked for in the military, Colonel Blagg was the commander I most remember. Rest your soul, sir.

Robert W Flournoy
Field Artillery, United States Army

Aimee, I send you my love and my deep condolences.

Tom Blagg was my battalion commander (2d Battalion 8th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division) in Vietnam. He was a great and courageous leader. I can't tell you how much we respected and admired him. I never met a better Soldier/leader. My heartfelt condolences go out to his children and grandchildren. How lucky you were to be raised by such a wonderful dad and mom!
Sincerely,
Robert T Clark
Lieutenant General
U.S. Army Retired

Leah and the rest of the Blagg family we convey our condolences for your loss and pray to Almighty to grant Tom's soul and eternal peace.

Balu and Erika Bhayani

The Buckley SFB military Retiree Activities Office (RAO) would like to offer our sincere condolences and our gratitude for Col Blagg´s 27 years of distinguished service to our country in the Army. If you would like help with any matters related to casualty assistance, Defense Finance & Accounting Service, Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), Veterans Affairs (VA), etc. you can contact our office on Buckley SFB at 720-847-6693 or [email protected]. The RAO is staffed by volunteers, all military retirees themselves, and our sole purpose is to provide assistance to any military retirees and surviving spouses/family members with anything related to their military service and/or benefits, in particular during difficult times such as this. We are deeply sorry for your loss.

Steve Young
Lt Col, USAF, Ret
Director, Buckley SFB RAO