He had just passed a rigorous physical for continued work for the California Highway Patrol when he had his first attack in 1955. He was a member of the CHP for eight years.
On 14 April 1949, While a patrolman, he severely burned his hands trying to save the life of a truck driver who had become a running human torch when he fled his burning truck. In a 1952 issue of Life Magazine Tom appeared on full page photograph after having stopped "The Billy-Goat Acres Gang" from stealing a car.
Tom served in the USMC from 1938 to 1946. Even though his tombstone shows his birthdate to be 1920, his veterans claim document shows him having been born in 1919. However, It is possible he misstated his age in order to enlist in the Marine Corps.
He had four siblings, he being the youngest child. They were Juanita, Jack and Edith (my mother). All have passed away.
I will always remember him as being a beloved uncle.
Larry Coffman
He had just passed a rigorous physical for continued work for the California Highway Patrol when he had his first attack in 1955. He was a member of the CHP for eight years.
On 14 April 1949, While a patrolman, he severely burned his hands trying to save the life of a truck driver who had become a running human torch when he fled his burning truck. In a 1952 issue of Life Magazine Tom appeared on full page photograph after having stopped "The Billy-Goat Acres Gang" from stealing a car.
Tom served in the USMC from 1938 to 1946. Even though his tombstone shows his birthdate to be 1920, his veterans claim document shows him having been born in 1919. However, It is possible he misstated his age in order to enlist in the Marine Corps.
He had four siblings, he being the youngest child. They were Juanita, Jack and Edith (my mother). All have passed away.
I will always remember him as being a beloved uncle.
Larry Coffman
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