Thomas Bullaro

Thomas Bullaro served in the United States Army and achieved the rank of Specialist.

Mr. Bullaro was born in Sicily in 1945, arriving in the United States two days before his eleventh birthday. He tried to enlist in the United States Navy when he turned 18, but was unsuccessful due to his citizenship status. Soon after, he was drafted by the Army, and just before being sent to Vietnam, he became a United States citizen thanks to the efforts of then-Senator Kennedy.

While in Pleiki, Vietnam, Mr. Bullaro served in the 4th Infantry Division as an artillery mechanic and supply coordinator. He received the Army Commendation Medal for meritorious service in military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam.

From August 10, 1966 to July 22, 1967, Mr. Bullaro distinguished himself while serving with Battery B, 4th Battalion, 42nd Artillery. He was instrumental in battery and other supplies arriving in Vietnam, and proved immensely useful during the initial base camp occupation and development phases. Mr. Bullaro coordinated with aviation personnel to resupply the firing battery deployed in remote jungle bases, accessible only by helicopter.

During periods of intensive contact, Mr. Bullaro voluntarily joined the ammunition section for the tremendous task of loading thousands of howitzer rounds into nets for sling delivery. Frequently working all night in this capacity, he was depended upon to come to the firebase the following morning to assay equipment losses and assist in the tremendous clean-up task.

Mr. Bullaro is a member of Vietnam Veterans Chapter 32, and is a resident ofMid dle Village, Queens.