Private First Class Thomas A. West entered the armed forces in July, 1943. He received his basic training at San Diego, California, and was then moved to Bloomington, Indiana for a course of study at the University of Indiana.

Upon completion of study at Bloomington, he was assigned to the 35th Division, Company K of the 137th Infantry, Camp Butner, North Carolina. His company was moved to England in May, 1944. In July, 1944, he was sent to France where he made the supreme sacrifice for the freedom of his country, near St. Laurent, July 15, 1944.

Tommie, son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank West of Carney, was born October 21, 1924, at the home in Carney and lived there until entering the service. He graduated from Carney High School in May, 1943, and entered the army in July of that year.

He was an active member of the Boy Scouts of America and at the time he entered the service he was a Life Scout.

He was buried in the U. S. Military Cemetery, St. Laurent Sur Mere No. 1, France. Thomas was returned to his own country on the "Eric Gibson" which transported 1,753 American war dead, February 4, 1948. He was buried in the Carney Cemetery with full military honors by the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion Post 64 of Chandler.

Tommie was awarded the Purple Heart posthumously, for military merit and for wounds received in action resulting in his death.

Submitted to the Lincoln County Oklahoma History book by Anna Fay West Parrott.