Thomas MacPherson

Sgt. Thomas R. MacPherson, age 26, of Long Beach, California, died on October 12, 2012, in Andar District, Afghanistan, from small arms fire while on patrol during combat operations.

He was assigned to the 2d Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, U.S. Army Special Operations Command, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington.

Tom grew up in Long Beach, California and graduated from Los Alamitos High School before joining the Army in May of 2007.

This was his fourth deployment to Afghanistan and he had also previously served one deployment in Iraq.

Military officials stated that Tom selflessly lived his life for others and distinguished himself as a member of the Army's premier direct action raid force.  Military officials also describe Tom as having a zeal for life and a warrior spirit, who never backed away from danger. 

Father, place Tom on the
stairway to Heaven.

His awards and decorations included the Ranger Tab, the Combat Infantryman's Badge, the Expert Infantryman's Badge, the Parachutist Badge, and the U.S. Army Expert Rifle Marksmanship Qualification Badge; the Bronze Star Medal with Valor, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with three Campaign Stars, Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, and the NATO Medal. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service and Purple Heart.

Tom is survived by many loving friends and relatives including his parents, Troy and Diona MacPherson; his wife, Claudia and their son, Brayden. 

Thank you for serving, Tom. 

Let us pray that Thomas Macpherson is in heaven. Let us pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.