WILLIAM THOMAS PALMER

William Thomas Palmer, 71, passed away on March 13, in Springfield. He was born on Aug. 21, 1951 to Edward J. Palmer and Claire A. Schlosser Palmer in Poughkeepsie, N.Y.
He was baptized on the October 7, 1951 according to the Rite of the Roman Catholic Church at the Church of St. Denis in Hopewell Junction, N.Y.
He graduated from Watkins Glen High School in Watkins Glen, N.Y. in 1970. While in high school he joined the Watkins Glen Police Department for training in law. In 1970 he joined the USAF (Military Police), and volunteered for Viet Nam. In 1971, He was assigned to the 7th Air Force, 315th Squadron, 35th Special Group in the Military Police Detachment in Pjam Ramh, Viet Nam, and later in all sorts of areas in North Viet Nam, Laos, the DMZ and parts of Cambodia. Many of his duties in the military remain classified. Toward the end of his year, a few unexpected things happened and was a POW for a short while. While escaping with two of his buddies in late 1972, he was wounded numerous times, leaving him 100% a disabled veteran. On retirement he was promoted to Full Bird Colonel. Some of his medals received were 9 Purple Hearts, 2 Bronze Service Stars, Small Arms Expert, Marksmanship Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, Vietnam Campaign Medal and a Combat Infantry to name a few. Mr. Palmer loved serving his country.
He was a lifetime member of USAF Sgt’s Association of Dav, the VFW American Legion Post 0639, Purple Heart Association, and a 4th degree Knights of Columbus.
He is survived by his wife, Cheryl T. Palmer; two sisters, Maureen Rice (Gary) of New York and Susan (Dale) Murphy of Springfield; one brother, George Palmer of Halltown. Also surviving, by a previous marriage, is one daughter, Brinana L. Krader (Stephen) and 2 grandsons in Arkansas, two step-daughters, Samantha L. Summers Borges (Coty) of Centralia and DeAnn Deckard (Brent) of Sims, Ark.; one step-son, Jason Holloman (Heather) of Edmond, Okla.; and six step- grandchildren and a long time loving friend, Lavone Moore, who was more like a second mother to him.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in “WT’s” name to the Honor Flight for Veterans or Disabled American Veterans.