US Army SPC - 4 Tommy Joe Belcher Memorial Bridge

Introduction

Text-to-speech Audio

US Army SPC - 4 Tommy Joe Belcher Memorial Bridge is located about 4 miles up Crawley Creek Road past Chapmanville. This bridge was dedicated to Tommy Joe Belcher since he was born and raised in this location and played under this bridge as a child. The bridge was dedicated to Tommy Joe as a thank you for giving his service and life for our country.

Images

Picture of Bridge

Medals for Service

Backstory and Context

Text-to-speech Audio

Specialist Fourth Class Tommy Joe Belcher was born on September 12th 1939 in Logan, West Virginia. They moved to Columbus, OH in the late 50's to find better opportunities to provide for the family. He was drafted in 1963 and spent two years serving for his country. SP4/E4 Belcher was an ARMY Transportation Supply and Parts Specialist assigned to the 140th Trans Det, 117th AHC, 52nd Aviation Battalion, US ARMY SPT CMD Vietnam when he and 21 fellow soldiers died from the result of hostile action when their Quarters at Viet Cuong Hotel exploded from a suicide-squad attack in Qui Nhon Vietnam where 21 fellow comrades also perished.He finished his tour of duty in Vietnam, a child suicide bomber blew up the hotel where he was waiting for his flight home. Tommy passed away in Siagon, Vietnam on February 10th 1965. Specialist Fourth Class Tommy Joe Belchers name is honored on Panel 1E Line 88 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C.

Sources

Family and relatives of Tommy Joe Belcher are the sources.