1919 – 2003
WO Thomas E. Tholen served in the 137th Inf Regt and 161st FA Regt throughout WW II. Enlisting in Co B at Emporia, KS he was mobilized in 1940, trained with the unit until landing on Omaha Beach on July 7, 1944, and fought with the unit across France, Belgium, Holland, and Germany. He received a commission to Warrant Officer in the fall of 1943. Discharged at war’s end in 1945, he returned to Emporia where he became a prominent businessman and community leader, raising six children with his wife, Betty. He was active in the 35th Division Assn following WW II, serving as president in 1972. He walked many of his Co B veterans to the
grave until his own death in 2003. He is buried in Emporia, KS.