Thomas Kalus' Obituary
Thomas Kalus Obituary
Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Kalus (Ret. USMC, Marine Mustang Officer)
Lieutenant Colonel Kalus was born in Silverhill, Alabama on 13 March 1926, and raised in Burlington, Colorado, and Cleveland, Ohio. He passed on October 3, 2023, at home in Aiea, Hawaii, He was 97 at the time of his passing
He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on January 12, 1944. During World War II he served as a Private with the 5th Marine Division at Camp Pendleton, California, Camp Tarawa, Hawaii, Iwo Jima Landing, and on occupation duty in Japan and Nagasaki. Following World War II he served at several duty stations on the East and West Coasts. Staff Sergeant Kalus was serving with, the 5th Marine Regiment, which arrived in Korea in July of 1950. While in Korea, he saw action on the Pusan Perimeter, Inchon Landing·, Wonsan Landing, Chosin Reservoir, and Operation "Killer". Following his return to the United States, he was stationed at Marine Corps Air Station, El Toro, California where he was promoted to Master Sergeant. He reported to Quantico, Virginia, and was commissioned on 3 February 1952. During his tour at Quantico, Second Lieutenant Kalus attended Officers Basic School and Communication Officers' School. He was then assigned duty at Marine Corps Air Station, El Toro, California, followed by Inspector-Instructor duty in Chicago, Long Beach, and Los Angeles.
During July of 1962, Captain Kalus reported to the 3rd Marine Division on Okinawa and served as the Radio Relay Officer, Operations Officer, and Executive Officer of Communications Company, 3rd Marine Division returning to the United States in August of 1963 where he served as Executive Officer and Commanding Officer of Radio Relay and Construction Company, 7th Communications Battalion until May of 1965. Major Kalus assumed command of Marine Barracks, U.S. Naval Air Station, Barber's Point on 19 June 1965.
Lieutenant Colonel Kalus, Commanding officer of 9 Communication Battalion retired from Commanding General, Force Troops Pacific, in 29 Palms, California, on November 1, 1970.
Throughout his remarkable 27-year Marine Corps career, Lieutenant Colonel Kalus earned numerous Medals and Ribbons for his dedication, courage, and unwavering commitment.
Legion of Merit with Valor
Navy and Marine Commendation Medal with Valor
Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal with 2 Bronze Stars
Asiatic-Pacific Medal with Bronze Stars
Korean Service Medal with 4 Bronze Stars
Vietnam Service Medal with 4 Bronze Stars
World War II Victory Medal
American Campaign Medal
World War II Occupation Navy Medal
National Defense Service with Bronze Star
Marine Corps Reserve Medal
UN Korean Service Medal
Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal
Korean Presidential Unit Citation Commemorative Medal
Korean War Veteran Medal
Ribbons
Combat Action Ribbon
Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon with 3 Bronze Stars
Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon
Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Unit Citation Ribbon
Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation Ribbon
Republic of Korean Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon
Lieutenant Colonel Kalus, the beloved son of Mrs. Mary Vesely of Cleveland, Ohio, and Louis Kalus of St. Louis, Missouri. He was married to the former Janet M. Wolcott of Lakewood, Ohio for 74 years. They met in Cleveland Ohio. Mrs. Janet Kalus passed away on August 31, 2022, at the age of 97. Together, they shared the joys and challenges of life, raising three sons and a daughter: James, Janet, Gary, and David (deceased on August 31, 2017).
Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Kalus leaves behind a lasting legacy of courage, dedication, and unwavering service to his country, and a loving family man. His memory will forever inspire those who had the privilege of knowing him, and his contributions to the Marine Corps and the United States of America will never be forgotten. Burial will be held Saturday, November 18, 2023 at Mililani Memorial Park Cemetery at 11:00 am.
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