Thomas E. Hendry, Jr. Honor A Deceased Veteran Ceremony

THOMAS E. HENDRY, JR.
1923-1992

FAMILY HISTORY:
Thomas E. Hendry, Jr. was born on August 31, 1923 in Troy, New York to the late Thomas E. Hendry and Bessie K. Hendry (Kerr).  Thomas was a lifelong resident of Troy.

EDUCATION:
Thomas was a graduate from Troy High School and received his degree in Social Work from Springfield College in 1952.

HISTORY:
Thomas enlisted in the United States Army on August 7, 1943 during World War II.  He arrived in the European Theater of Action on March 1, 1944, where he was as a Rifleman and a mortar gunner.  Thomas was promoted to Corporal, serving with the 3^rd Army, 15^th Cavalry Recon Squad.  He was in charge of a mortar crew of three enlisted men, providing fire power for cavalry and infantry units.  He also aided in the capture of enemy positions and personnel.  On August 23, 1944, during the Battle of Brest, in France, Thomas was wounded and awarded the Purple Heart.  Thomas was also the proud recipient of One Bronze Battle Star, American Theater Ribbon, European African Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon, Good Conduct Ribbon and the World War II Victory Ribbon.  Thomas was honorably discharged on September 10, 1947.

PERSONAL:
Thomas married his wife Helen L. Hendry (Filken) on May 1, 1953 in Troy, New York.  Together they had a son, Thomas C. Hendry; and two daughters, Carol Dwyer and Sara Hendry.  Thomas is also survived by his seven grandchildren, Gillian, Shane, Rachel, Sara Jane, Mary, Stephen and Thomas.

WORK EXPERIENCE:
Thomas was employed by the Rensselaer County Department of Social Services as a Social Worker and as a Deputy Commissioner for 37 years, retiring in 1989.

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES/ORGANIZATIONS:
Thomas was a member of the Disabled American Veterans and the Memorial United Methodist Church in Troy, where he was a chairman of its trustees for 20 years.  He was also active in youth coaching with Little League, Babe Ruth Baseball and basketball.