Thomas Jackson Grindstaff was born February 10, 1946, the son of Thomas and Pearl Grindstaff. He was of the Church of Christ faith.

Spec 5 Thomas J. Grindstaff enlisted in the Army in July 1964 and took basic training at Fort Gordon, GA., was in the 82nd Airborne Division, serving with the Headquarters Company of the First Battalion of the 505th Infantry. He had served in Germany before going to viet and his tour in Vietnam began June 5, 1968.

Spec 5 Grindstaff was a Medical Specialist and was driving an ambulance when it was attacked by enemy forces. The vehicle exploded resulting in his death near Hua Nghia, South Vietnam on March 21, 1969.

Thomas was married to Patricia Ann Potts in Bexar County, Texas, and had two daughters, Bridget and Billie Jo. He was also survived by mother, Mrs. James A. Pearl Presley, sisters, Mrs. Frank Myers, Mrs. Bob Glenda Shields, Mrs. Buddy Miller, and Mrs. Thomas O. Thomas, and brother, James Presley, Jr.

He was returned to Pinellas Park, FL, and funeral services were held April 4, 1969. He was laid to rest at Memorial Park Cemetery, Pinellas Park with full military honors at the graveside.

  • Rank: Specialist 5
  • Date of birth:
  • 10 February 1946
  • Date of death: 21 March 1969
  • County: Blount
  • Service Branch: Army
  • Division/Assignment: 505th Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division
  • Conflict: Vietnam
  • Awards: Purple Heart, Bronze Star Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Service Medal
  • Burial/Memorial Location: Memorial Park Cemetery, Saint Petersburg, Pinellas Park, Florida
  • Location In Memorial: Pillar XXII, Top Panel
  • Contact us to sponsor Thomas J. Grindstaff

Image Gallery

Click a thumbnail below to view at full size.


Submit more information on this veteran →