Sergeant Thomas M. Gilbert reported to Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, SC, for basic training in June 2001. After graduating basic training, he reported to the School of Infantry at Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton, CA and graduated with the Military Occupational Specialty of a 0311 Rifleman. Sergeant Gilbert then reported to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 24th Marines, 4th Marine Division, Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he served as a Rifleman. In February 2003 he was activated in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and deployed to Djibouti, in the Horn of Africa until August 2003.
In June of 2006, Sergeant Gilbert volunteered for his second activation with Alpha Company, this time in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Upon activation in June 2006, Sergeant Gilbert attended initial ILOC training at Camp Pendleton, California until the end of July. During August and September 2006 he continued his training in Twentynine Palms, California where he participated in the Mojave Viper training package. Sergeant Gilbert arrived in Al Fallujah, Iraq, on 24 September 2006.
Sergeant Gilbert is survived by his parents Mike and Terry Gilbert.
Military Schools: Basic Training, School of Infantry.
Decorations: Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Selected Marine Corps Reserve Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Navy Unit Commendation (2), Joint Meritorious Unit Award.