Tom Horn

Phil Boyle

May 20, 2016

Tom Horn always knew he wanted to serve his country on the front lines. He enlisted in the Marines in 1969, received his basic training at Paris Island and his Infantry Training at Camp Lejeune, ultimately serving in Vietnam from 1969 to 1971. Mr. Horn worked sea duty on the USS Columbus, served as instructor for the Special Warfare Training Center and was discharged in 1975. He then went into the Marine Corps Reserves in the Communion Battalion in Huntington, New York, and was the Match Armorer for the National Reserve Rifle Team for the Marine Corps.

For his incredible dedication to his country as well as his sacrifice, Mr. Horn was awarded a Silver Star with a “V” for valor, three Purple Hearts, Three Bronze Stars, the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry and numerous other medals and citations. He was one of only 42 survivors out of a troop of 680 of the 2nd Battle of Khe Sanh, for which he was awarded his Silver Star and one of his Purple Hearts.

Following his service to his country overseas, Mr. Horn has continued to serve by volunteering. A member of Babylon American Legion Post #94, he has served as Commander on two separate occasions and is currently serving as Post Commander for a second term. Mr. Horn continues has also served as Chairperson of the Board of Management, 2nd Vice-Commander, 3rd Vice-Commander, Bar Chairperson, and on many other committees. 

Mr. Horn has been married for 40 years to his wife, Debbie, and together they have three children and two grandchildren. Their eldest daughter, Colleen Horn-Politowski, and her husband Craig reside in Buffalo. Their second daughter, Erin, has been Auxiliary President of Post 94 eight times and has also been Suffolk County Auxiliary President. Their son Kevin is a Marine living in North Carolina; he works for ALLY Financial as a senior systems engineer and is a member of Babylon Post 94.