This Military Service Page was created/owned by
A3C Michael S. Bell (Unit Historian)
to remember
Campbell, Thomas, TSgt.
If you knew or served with this Airman and have additional information or photos to support this Page, please leave a message for the Page Administrator(s) HERE.
Contact Info
Last Address Maxwell AFB
Date of Passing Mar 26, 1978
Official Badges
Unofficial Badges
Additional Information
Last Known Activity:
TSgt Tom Campbell (Then SSgt) was patrolling at Maxwell AFB,AL when he and his partner received a prowler call in off-base housing. When the two split up to investigate the back of the house, Tom was first around the corner and was shot by the prowler. The shooter was later caught (I think he was 16 years old) and got 25 years. Tom had recently been selected for promotion to TSgt and was promoted posthomously and awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, which was unheard of back then.
Sender
Message
Mike DeCapua, LTC (ret).
Information Related to your TWS Remembrance Profile #78198 Posted - 50 minutes ago
I was Tom's shift commander in Thailand and will never forget his professionalism...and our trips as a shift to the Korat movie theater after work. I was an instructor at the Security Police Academy the day I heard of Tom's murder. I was sad that I had lost an NCO I called friend but knew he was holding guardmount in a better place.
Reflections for Security Policeman Thomas L. Campbell
I was stationed at Maxwell AFB and was the Desk Sergeant on that Sunday Easter night which was March 26, 1978. Even though it was well over 33 years ago, I remember it as though it was yesterday. Tom and I had joked that particular evening about the Wizard Of Oz coming on T.V. that night. After joking about it, Tom left SP headquarters to patrol the base. Not long after that, around 1915 hours I received a telephone call from a lady in Maxwell Heights saying that a black male was trying to break into a house on Smith Street. I dispatched all units to that location and within 5-10 minutes, the most dreadful thing that a Police Officer could ever experience had happened.
Gunfire was heard by the responding patrols. I initiated a status check on all responding units. Everyone answered up with the exception of Tom. After a search of the housing area was conducted Tom was found by one of the responding patrols laying on his back with his eyes wide open looking up with labored breathing at the rear of one of the houses on Smith Street. He had been shot three times. The patrol unit who located him had attempted first aide, but one of the bullets that struck him, hit a vital area in his chest. Maxwell AFB hospital dispatched and ambulance there but it was too late. This my fellow Police Officers along with current, former and retired Air Force Security Force personnel was carved into my memory like an artist would carve his work into a piece of granite. After being involved in law enforcement for almost 36 years, I constantly think of this incident and it has helped me to remain vigilant.
Tom was my friend and we all miss him. Thank you Tom for being the person that you are.
Ervin Littleton
Sgt Ervin Littleton
Sewells Point Police/Naval Station, Norfolk Va.
May 31, 2011
I was stationed at Maxwell AFB. that terrible day. Until today I don't understand why I did not get the recall message. I was in my barracks asleep, I was on my days off. That night I had gone to sleep with my radio on and awoke around 0700. I laid in bed for a while listening to the radio when the DJ started talking about the shooting, expressing his and the communities condolenses and if any one had and information to call the Montgomery PD. I still was not fully awake and thought I was having a very bad dream as I never thought that something this horrible would happen at our base, our home. When I realized that this had actually happened, I jumped out of the bed and threw on the first thing I grabbed and went outside were I encountered my next door barracks mate who was working that night. We talked and cried and then remembered the good times we had working with Tom. I never was assigned permanetly to Tom's flight but did work with him when we consolidated the four flights for the Christmas and New Years holidays and once when we went to permanent shifts because a of man power shortage. Tom was a terrific Flight Cheif and I thourghly enjoyed those times and will never forget Tsgt (Posthumously) Thomas Campbell, Rest in Peace Brother and I will see you in the Big Cop Shop above when it's my time. Keep the coffee on!
Msgt (Ret.) Gerald D. Ward
3800 SPS 1975/1978
August 4, 2010
On Memorial Day, let us honor the memory of TSgt Thomas Lee Campbell. Tom was an SP with the 3800th Security Police Squadron at Maxwell AFB, Alabama. On Easter Sunday, March 26, 1978, he was killed in the line of duty while responding to a "man with a gun" call.
For each of us who knew him, his friendship was a blessing. He served our country, our base, and our unit with distinction. Let us always keep Tom's memory alive. Let us honor his sacrifice by working to make our country safer and supporting our veterans.
The members of Sgt Campbell's unit, it's successor unit the 42nd Security Forces Squadron, and the SPs of Gunter AFS, are planning a remembrance ceremony for Tom and other unit members who have passed away. This will be part of a reunion held in Montgomery, Alabama, in June 2011. Please search for "3800th SPS" to find details.
Maxwell/Gunter SPs
3800th SPS and 42nd SFS
May 31, 2010
A Remembrance of honor has been started for TSgt Campbell at AIR FORCE TOGETHER WE SERVED, profile #78198
A3C Mike Bell
Air Force Together We Served
March 26, 2010
It has been 32 years since that night in Maxwell Heights. A night that I will never forget and I think about often. I was one of the patrolmen that was with Tom the night he was killed, one of the first to reach him as he lay dieing. As a young airman Tom was my supervsor, my mentor, and most of all my friend. Rest In Peace my friend, you are truly missed.
L. Wayne Franklin
Friend and Security Police K9 Handler
March 26, 2010
A night I never want to remember, and a night I'll never forget. Don you'll always in my heart and mind.
A1C John DeGray
3800th sps
January 4, 2010
Tom was a dear friend of mine. I shall never forget his sense of humor. We told jokes to each other almost everyday. He was a man of great honor and a Security Policeman admired by all.I miss you Tom. I hope to see you again some day.
Jimmy Hall
James R. Hall Jr., TSgt, Ret
December 8, 2009
I had worked for Tom prior to that night. The night it happened I was coming on duty and was standing in the desk Sgt office when the call came in stating he had been shot. I changed in to my response uniform, grabbed a canine unit and responded to Maxwell Heights. We searched the surrounding area and later found out we had followed the same route the killer had taken when he left the area. The only reason he didn't stay and try to kill another officer was his gun jammed. When the killer was found at his home a few days later and they recovered the gun, it was still jammed. I have worked in law enforcement almost 25 years since then and Tom was the first friend and fellow officer I ever lost in the line of duty. That night opened my eyes to the dangers and sacrifices Tom and many others made and still make daily, when they put on the uniform or badge and patrol the streets of this country or lands of what ever country they might be stationed in, to keep the people safe. The world owes these men and women a great debit. Tom was a great guy and the world lost one of the best that night.RIP
Senior Airman Ronald Fellion
3800 SP, worked with Tom
August 24, 2009
Tom you were a wonderful Human Being and a friend to all of us. When I was called in Denver about your Murder I was stuned and shocked beyond belief. You will always live on in my Heart and the Hearts of so many others. I now rest easy knowing that you are in Paradise in the loving arms of Jesus. God Bless you and all your family. I am a better man today because of my friendship and Service with you.
Tom Crowley, 2325 49th St., N.E., Canton, Ohio, 44705
SSgt Thomas F Crowley
Close Friend of Tom's
August 16, 2009
Thank you for your service to our country and your fellowman. It has been 31 years since the end of your watch, you have not been forgotten. Rest in peace my brother.
State Constable J.L. Green
S.C. State Constables
March 26, 2009
Hero's are never forgotten! Continue to rest in peace brother.
Paul Bodenhamer
Police Officer
Dept of Veterans Affairs Police
Former 36th SFS Andersen AFB Guam
Security Forces - United States Air Force
Police Officer - Paul Bodenhamer
Dept of Veterans Affairs
April 10, 2008
T/Sgt. Campbell,
Sir, On today, the 30th anniversary of your murder, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
R.I.P.
Anonymous
Anonymous
March 26, 2008
I was too young at the time of your death to have any real memories of you. But know that on this anniversary of your death that you are not forgotten and I?m proud to say that you are my uncle. Rest in peace
Jaymes Campbell
Nephew
March 26, 2008
"The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC
March 12, 2008
YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE.
VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH
February 26, 2008
Like other's here I served with Tom. I was off duty and living in Maxwell Heights at the time of the incident. Tom was a consumate professional, and will be sadly missed. To this day, I can remember the faces of my fellow airmen when the news was announced of Tom's death.
Rest easy Tom, you are not forgotten.
SGT. Perry Cooley
February 7, 2008
Thomas I cannot say that I had the pleasure of knowing you but I can proudly say that I know of you and your sacrifice.
Your picture hangs proudly at the Law Enforcement desk at Maxwell Air Force base it is a constant reminder that the Maxwell comunity still honors you. The off base housing where ithe tragic incident happened has been abandoned and turned over to the city. God Speed Brother may you rest in peace.
Officer Shane pate
Federal bureau of Prisons
October 23, 2007
For those of us who were stationed at Maxwell AFB during March of 1978, we will never forget the sacrifice made by Sgt. Tom Campbell who was killed in the line of duty, defending Maxwell AFB, and thus defending America.
On Easter night, Sgt. Campbell was ambushed at the Maxwell Heights off-base housing unit. Memories from that night are still vivid: The "war wagon" running "Code 3" down Selfridge, the Desk Sergeant confirming the "10-13", the recall from the SP barracks, and the Flight Chief informing those of us still at Building 837 that Sgt. Campbell had died.
May we always remember Sgt. Campbell: for his sacrifice, for his service, and for his friendship.
Sincerely,
Philip "J.P." Brown (Senior Airman)
3800th SPS, MAFB (1976-79)
Senior Airman Philip "J.P." Brown
3800th SPS (1976-1979)
April 4, 2007
MARCH, 1978. I WAS STATIONED AT MAXWELL AS A SP K-9 HANDLER, AND WORKED THE SAME SHIFT(THOUGH OVERLAPPING) AS TOM. ON MARCH 25 WE WORKED AN EVENING SHIFT AND LEFT TO GO HOME. AS I REACHED THE I-85/EASTERN BYPASS EXIT I WAS RIDING MY MOTORCYCLE AND TOM PULLED UP BESIDE ME, AS I WAITED TO TURN LEFT AND HE RIGHT. HE ROLLED DOWN HIS WINDOW AND ASKED ME IF I WAS WORKING TOMORROW(26TH), I SAID I WAS, AND HE REPLIED "O.K., SEE YOU TOMORROW". THE FOLLOWING DAY AS I WAS ENTERING THE DAY ST. GATE TOM WAS SHOT IN THE OFF BASE HOUSING BY A 17 YEAR OLD WHO HAD MADE THE STATEMENT THAT HE WAS GOING TO SHOOT A PIG. TOM DROVE UP ON THIS GUY WALKING AROUND WITH A RIFLE. HE FLED AS TOM GAVE CHASE. RUNNING BEHIND SEVERAL HOMES HE STOPPED AND KNELT BEHIND AN AIR CONDITIONER AND AMBUSHED TOM, FIRING THREE SHOTS, TWO OF WHICH HIT HIM. ITS BEEN ALMOST 30 YEARS, BUT A DAY DONT GO BY THAT I DONT THINK OF HIM, AND PONDER ALL OF THE "ONLY IFS". I AM GLAD TO SEE TOM REMEMBERED.
SGT. LARRY THOMAS
LYNN HAVEN P.D. LYNN HAVEN FL. 32444
February 19, 2007
I was working patrol on Craig AFB, Selma, Alabama, on the night of this sad event. Many years later I was stationed and served at Maxwell/Gunter.
The facility at MAFB named after you was more than appropriate yet many were unaware. So, to the newcomers, you were remembered!
Over twenty-eight years later you are still remembered and your dedication to duty has been a guiding light for my own life.
God Bless!
Sergeant J. Steele
Autauga County Sheriff's Office
October 2, 2006
Rest in peace blue angel. You are not forgotten!
November 27, 2005
05/15/04
Each day I try to read the ODMP. Today I read your story. Any officer who dies in the line of duty will always be remembered for his sacrifice. You died a hero. Rest in peace Officer Campbell.
Captain Robert W Cannon, Ret.
Vermilion Co, Il. Sheriff's Dept.
May 15, 2004
TSgt. Campbell,
It's been 24 years since you were shot to death. Everytime I made a traffic stop, particularly in Base housing areas, I thought of you. Thank you for the ultimate sacrifice.
Jonathan D. Phillips
Cincinnati, Ohio
Sgt. Jonathan D. Phillips
U.S. Air Force Security Police
