Without exception, members of the 'Triple Nickel' are dedicated to service and being so, they like to avoid publicity directed toward them as individuals. The member profile series is being initiated not to bring unwanted personal attention, but rather to recognize their talents, dedication and service to their country and their fellows. The first profile (posthumous) will be that of LTC Thomas E. Hickman the first Honorary Commander of the 555 Honors Detachment:
17th Infantry
Lt. Col. Thomas E. Hickman
Published: March 3, 2009 4:01 AM (Wayne County Recorder)
WOOSTER -- Retired Lt. Col. Thomas E. Hickman,
94, a long time resident of Wooster, passed away Saturday, Feb. 28, 2009.He was
born in 1914, in Staten Island, N.Y. to Master Sgt. Thomas and Elizabeth
(Meighan) Hickman.He was preceded in death by his wife, Bernice McCoy Hickman
of Lawrence, Ind.He is survived by two brothers, John (Evie) of Staten Island,
N.Y. and Robert of Sparks, Nev.; and four children, Thomas Jr. of Colorado,
David (Debbie) of Pataskala; Jolene (Jodi Cooley) of Columbus and Marlene
Morgan of Wooster. He leaves five grandchildren, David Hickman Jr., Holly (Pat)
Walters, Brian (Amanda) Hickman, Amy (Kevin) Simpson, and Carrie (Brandon Kuck)
Morgan; and three great-grandchildren, Gabrielle and Griffin Walters and Kylie
Simpson.He will be missed by family and friends.Lt. Col. Hickman's military
career began in 1941 with the 38th Division of the Indiana National Guard.
During the Second World War, he had duty stations in Camp Shelby, Miss. and
Camp Livingston, La. and commanded the Second Battalion, 102 infantry at
Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. His service included stays in the occupation forces
in Fukuoka, Japan and Munich, Germany. In 1956 he was transferred to the 17th
Infantry Regiment in Korea and served as the Regimental Executive Officer and
later as the Regimental Commander. During his tour he took the Regiment on an
amphibious landing onto Okinawa from Pusan, Korea.He retired from the U.S. Army
after 20 years of service in 1961 from Ft. Hayes, Columbus. Lt. Col. Hickman, a
strong advocate of higher education, completed his college education, graduating
from The Ohio State University to begin a career in secondary education. After
teaching in and around the Cleveland area he moved his family to Wooster in
1969, where he taught Army ROTC at Wooster High School, eventually retiring in
1974."The Colonel" was the successful owner of Classic Marble of
Wooster and for many years bought and sold real estate throughout Ohio. As the
Commander of the 555th Honors Detachment of Wayne County, he presided at many
burials of local veterans. As the Honorary Colonel of the 17th Infantry
Regiment, he attended many functions across the country as well as travels to
Russia, Australia, Hawaii, Korea and China, until his failing health limited
his activities.His devotion to duty and his steadfast resolve were qualities he
valued throughout his life. As an old soldier, Colonel Hickman's favorite
speech was the one MacArthur delivered to Congress after his retirement, in
which he said, "Old soldiers never die; they just fade away."He was a
member of Wooster Kiwanis Club and the Downtown Rebounders.Graveside services
will be held Saturday, March 7, at 1:30 p.m. at the Wooster Cemetery with Chuck
Craig officiating.Friends may call Friday evening from 6-8 at the McIntire,
Davis & Greene Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster.In lieu of
flowers, the family requests donations to The 555th Honors Detachment of Wayne
Co., in care of Elton Boyer, 7264 Old Lincoln Way West, Wooster 44691.
