Tom Tully(1908-1982)
- Actor
- Writer
While in Vietnam entertaining troops with Bob Hope and others with the
USO, Thomas Tully contracted a filarial worm, similar to the worm that
causes elephantiasis. After returning to the U.S. his condition was
diagnosed after a blood clot in a major vein in his leg cut off
circulation and his leg was amputated very close to the hip. This was
circa 1971. The amputation was performed in Laguna Beach, California
close to his home in San Juan Capistrano. Complications to this surgery
caused pleuritis, deafness and serious debilitation. His death was due,
in great part, to these serious medical conditions. He should be
remembered as a patriot who sacrificed his life to entertain our troops
in Vietnam.