Thomas Tully, a true patriot and entertainer, embarked on a USO tour in Vietnam, joining forces with renowned comedian Bob Hope and other esteemed performers, to bring joy and comfort to troops stationed abroad. During this tour, Tully contracted a filarial worm, a parasitic infection similar to the one that can cause elephantiasis. Upon his return to the United States, his condition was diagnosed, and a blood clot in a major leg vein severely compromised circulation, necessitating the amputation of his left leg, just above the hip, circa 1971.
The amputation procedure, performed at Laguna Beach, California, close to his residence in San Juan Capistrano, was complicated by subsequent medical issues, including pleuritis, deafness, and debilitating health consequences. These severe medical conditions ultimately contributed to Tully's untimely passing, a testament to the sacrifices he made as an entertainer and patriot during the Vietnam War.
Tully's remarkable story serves as a poignant reminder of the immense sacrifices made by those who entertained troops during times of conflict, bringing a measure of comfort and joy to those serving abroad. His legacy as a true patriot and entertainer should be cherished and remembered for generations to come.
