Fallen Hero – Gold Star Family Street Dedication for SFC Thomas Philip Reiley | Friday, May 27

WHEREAS,    the Township of Scotch Plains is honoring United States Army Sergeant First Class Thomas Philip Reiley, with a ceremonial street sign to be placed at the intersection of Scotland Street and Prospect Avenue at a memorial service on Friday, May 27, 2022; and

WHEREAS,    Thomas Reiley was born on August 24, 1916 and resided at 2005 Prospect Avenue in Scotch Plains, where his niece Maureen currently resides. Reiley enlisted in the Army in 1937 and after serving for 3 years, was released in 1940 to only be recalled in May, 1941; and

WHEREAS,    SFC. Reiley was assigned to the Medical Corps where he completed a course at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, D.C., where he attained a rating of surgical technician; and

WHEREAS,    SFC. Reiley later transferred to an armored division and trained at Port Knox in Kentucky, going overseas in July, 1944. His military occupation or specialty was Radar Chief, attached to Headquarters Battery, 38^th Field Artillery Battalion, 2^nd Infantry Division; and

WHEREAS,    During his service in the Korean War, Sgt. First Class Reiley participated in the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir. On November 27, 1950 the Chinese Army surprised UN Forces at the Chosin Reservoir area. A brutal 17-day battle in freezing weather and rough terrain soon followed. On November 30, 1950, Sgt. Reiley was captured and interned a Prisoner of War, which ultimately resulted in loss of his life; and

WHEREAS,    Sgt. First Class Thomas Reiley received multiple commendations for his acts of heroism. These commendations include The Silver Star, Prisoner of War Medal, Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Badge, Marksmanship Badge, Korean Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Korea Presidential Citation, Republic of Korea War Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Army Presidential Unit Citation and Army Good Conduct Medal; and

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Town Council of the Township of Scotch Plains, that a ceremonial street sign identified as “SFC Thomas Reiley Way – US Army - Korean War” shall be placed at the intersection of Prospect Avenue and Scotland Street.

Joshua G. Losardo, Mayor 

Elizabeth Stamler, Deputy Mayor       

Roshan “Roc” White, Councilmember

Ellen A. Zimmerman, Councilmember

Matthew S. Adams, Councilmember