Name: Viewing for Thomas G. Rhame
Start: 2023-07-08T13:00:00.000Z
End: 2023-07-08T15:00:00.000Z
Location: Miller Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc.

Rhame

Thomas G. Rhame

LTG, U.S. Army (Ret.)

January 27, 1941 - June 27, 2023

Lieutenant General Thomas G. Rhame was born in Winnfield, LA on January 27, 1941. He graduated from Louisiana State University with a BS in Accounting. He was commissioned a 2LT, Infantry through the ROTC in 1963. He also held an MBA degree from Syracuse University. His military education included the Infantry Basic and Advance Courses, the Armed Forces Staff College, and the Army War College. He was a member of the LSU Alumni Hall of Distinction and the Outstanding Alumni of the Army War College.

General Rhame retired from the Army in 1997. Following his retirement, he served as VP and CFO of the AUSA from 1998 until 2014. His last active-duty assignment was as the Director of the DSAA with the OSD. Prior to that, he was the Chief of the USMTM. During Operation Desert Shield/Storm he was the Commanding General of the 1st ID (The Big Red One) which played a crucial role in the liberation of Kuwait. He also served two tours of combat in Vietnam, his first in 1967 commanding B Company, 1st Battalion of the 12th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division, and his second in 1971, serving as a District Senior Advisor with USAMA.

Prior to his Command of the 1st ID, he served as Asst. Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel, and Commander of the USFC. He also served as Commander, of the 2nd Brigade, 3rd ID in Kitzingen, Germany; Chief of Staff, 3rd AD in Frankfurt, Germany and Asst Division Commander, 3rd AD and Community Commander of the Hanau Military Community.

General Rhame received the Defense Distinguished Service Medal (with oak leaf cluster), Distinguished Service Medal (with two oak leaf clusters), Silver Star (with oak leaf cluster), Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star with V device (with two oak leaf clusters), Meritorious Service Medal (with two oak leaf clusters), Air Medal, and Army Commendation Medal with V device.

General Rhame is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 62 years, Linda Saunders of Lecompte, Louisiana; his two children, Becca Isakower (Saul) and Gregg Rhame (Pam); three grandchildren, Taylor (Scott), Ashley, and Emily; two brothers Larry Rhame (Barbara) and Ronald Rhame; sisters-in-law Faye Roberts (Ronald) and Shirley Saunders and many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents MSgt. Thomas Rhame and Mary Sue Rhame; his brother Maj. Harold Rhame; sister-in-law Bobbie Rhame (Ronald) and brother-in-law Bobby Saunders (Shirley).

The family will receive visitors Saturday, July 8, 2023 from 1 to 3 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m. at Miller Funeral Home, 3200 Golansky Blvd., Woodbridge, VA 22192. Interment will be held at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of LTG (Ret) Thomas G Rhame to the Society of the First Infantry Division, P.O. Box 2307, Fort Riley, KS 66442, or the Army War College Foundation at donate.usawc.org.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Washington Post on Jul. 2, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Rhame

6 Entries

Michael Stuart (Major US ARMY Retired)

August 17, 2023

I served under then Colonel Rhame at the 3rd Armored Division HQ in Frankfurt Germany as the HQ Commandant. He was a superb officer, willing to listen and willing to trust his subordinates to accomplish their mission. He was a true warrior! Will meet you again Sir.

LTG(R) Patrick M. Hughes

July 7, 2023

Very sorry to hear of Lieutenant General Tom Rhame's passing. He was a very admirable person. We shared illness together and I was always impressed at his inner strength and that of his family, especially Lin Rhame. I offer my final salute to a fellow soldier. Tom, we'll see each other again at the next rally point. Montana 6 out!

Tom Branz

July 4, 2023

General Rhame truly embodied the First Infantry Division motto: "No mission too difficult. No sacrifice too great. Duty First!" He was an inspirational leader who cared about soldiers and contiued to honor their service throughout his years of "retirement."

Willy Brandt

July 3, 2023

General Rhame was one of my favorite Directors at DSAA. I remember the first Christmas party we had after he arrived. He and his wife donated a dinner for six at their quarters to the Christmas Auction that was held to raise funds. By my good fortune, I was the high bidder at the end of the auction. The dinner was an evening to remember. The food was delicious, but the company was outstanding. The General and his wife were the best hosts you could ever ask for.

Pat Ritter

July 2, 2023

As my Commanding General during Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm, Tom Rhame led from the front, motivated his soldiers, and inspired his subordinates. As one of his tank battalion commanders, I could not have asked for a better division commander in combat.

Pat Ritter

Jim Hursch

July 2, 2023

As a young action officer at DSAA I felt blessed by LTG Rhame´s leadership. He went out of his way to make me feel valued. Today I am his successor as the 2nd civilian Director of DSCA and everyday I look at his photo on the wall and hope I can live up to his standard.

Jim Hursch

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