Thomas M. Tarpley

Thomas McKee Tarpley (4 July 1922 – 18 December 1986) was an American soldier in the United States Army.

Tarpley then served in World War II and in Vietnam, from February 1971 to April 1972 as the commander of 101st Airborne Division.

After graduating from high school, he attended Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri for two years before being appointed to the United States Military Academy in 1941.

[1][2][4] During World War II, Tarpley served in combat as a platoon leader with the 66th Infantry Division in Europe.

Tarpley also received two Army Distinguished Service Medals and retired as a Major General.