Beaufort’s Thaddeus Wade, 72, joined the United States Navy in New Orleans in 1972. After boot camp and Postal Clerk and Cook training in San Diego, he was assigned to USS Washtenaw County (LST- 1166) then homeported at Yokosuka, Japan. While aboard, the ship made port calls in Guam, Bangkok, Subic Bay Philippines, Okinawa and Vietnam.
Wade was next assigned to the coastal/riverine Force in southern Vietnam. He spent two years in combat operations before his boat was ambushed, killing three of the seven sailors aboard and severely wounded Wade. He was MEDEVACED to Japan and finally Naval Hospital Jacksonville for a lengthy recovery that included losing a leg. He was medically discharged in 1971 and used his GI Bill to study culinary arts at Louisiana State University. He became a cook in New Orleans and for Governor Edwards of Louisiana and on offshore oil rigs in the Gulf for seven years.
Today, Wade is 100% disabled and is known affectionately as the “Mayor” of Sprenger Healthcare of Port Royal.
Compiled by John Chubb, American Legion Post 207. For Veteran Of The Week nominations, contact jechubb1@gmail.com.
