Thomas Eugene Williamson

Thomas Eugene Williamson, of Waterford, and formerly of New London, passed away on August 31, 2023, at home. He was born on April 16, 1944, in San Jose, CA, the son of Edgar L. Williamson and Margaret Rideout Williamson.

In High School Tom was a Boy Scout and member of the Civil Air Patrol. When he graduated in 1961, he enlisted in the Marines. After completing Basic Training, he transferred to the U.S. Navy and trained as a Hospital Corpsman. Tom spent 16 of his 20 years in the Navy supporting the Marines in the field.

During the Vietnam War, Tom volunteered for assignment to Marine Force Recon and MACV/SOG (Special Operations). He participated in numerous highly classified missions behind enemy lines, including the Phoenix Program. He suffered numerous wounds in the performance of his duties which effected his health for the rest of his life.

While most of his service record remains classified, a partial listing of his awards indicates his extraordinary contribution to our nation’s service. They include the Silver Star, Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Gold Star and Valor V, Purple Heart with 4 Gold Stars and the Navy Commendation with V along with many more. Tom was one of Connecticut’s most decorated veterans while he was alive.

In between Vietnam tours, Tom joined the White House Presidential Medical Staff and for two years accompanied President Nixon and Secretary of State Kissinger on their travels. This service is also largely classified, and resulted in a medal for his Presidential service.

Tom was medically discharged from the Navy in 1984 as a Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman (E8) rated at 100% disabled due to combat injuries he received in Vietnam. His second career was also one of dedicated service.

Tom subsequently graduated from Eastern Connecticut State University with a BA in Sociology and Criminal Counseling. He began public service with the Connecticut Department of Corrections, where he served many years as a counselor for incarcerated and paroled inmates.

His additional civic contributions include Masonic Hospice counseling, Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 18 at the New London Sub Base and volunteer for the Warriors for Warriors organization.

Tom found time to attend the Firefighter Academy. As a Fireman One, he was a member of the Fire Police in Waterford providing EMT and safety functions.

In July 2021 he was inducted into the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame.

Tom is survived by his husband William Wescott and his Service Dog Peaches; sister Lois Lee Williamson of California; sisters in-law Ann Method of Michigan, Jane Schadegg of Arizona, Mary Wescott of California; brother in-law Wells Wescott of Minnesota; nieces Leeann Farnsworth, Tina Rosen, and Nicole Webster, Leigh Method, Auralyn Method, Kristi Schadegg, Sarah Jenkins, Megan Wood, Amanda Murphy; nephews Michael Method, Christopher Method, Michael Wood and Wells Wescott along with many grand nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, September 16th from 2-5pm at Fulton-Theroux Funeral Home, 181 Ocean Ave., New London. A graveside service and military honors will be held in Arlington National Cemetery on Thursday, November 9th at 9am.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations in his memory may be made to: ECAD (Educated Canines Assisting with Disabilities) PO Box 831, Torrington, CT 06790.