Staff Sergeant Thomas J. Field was born on 11 April 1968 in Lisbon, Maine, and graduated from Lisbon High School in 1986. After volunteering for service in the U.S. Army in 1987, he attended training to become a UH-60 Black Hawk Helicopter Repairer. He then attended Airborne School and was assigned to the 160th Special Operations Aviation Group at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. SSG Field participated in U.S. actions in Panama, Southwest Asia, and many other worldwide missions.

It was his love for things mechanical and the need to work with his hands that lead him to become a Black Hawk Crew Chief. His creativity, initiative and passion for life made him an exceptional person and enabled him to excel. His selfless service and love for his country were undeniably first and foremost in his heart.

SSG Field’s awards and decorations include the Air Medal, Army Achievement Medal (w/3 OLC), Good Conduct Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (w/Arrowhead Device), National Defense Service Medal, Air Crewman's Badge, Parachutist Badge, and Air Assault Badge. He was posthumously awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Air medal (“V” Device), and the Meritorious Service Medal.

He was killed in Mogadishu, Somalia, on 3 October 1993 during Operation GOTHIC SERPENT when his aircraft, #188, was called into a hot landing zone to extract wounded fellow Night Stalkers. On short final, and in the landing zone, they took extremely effective fire and were directed to depart the area. On departure, they received rocket propelled grenade fire, which ultimately knocked the aircraft down approximately 2,000 meters away. Shortly, the crash site and all individuals were overrun.

SSG Field is survived by two brothers, Fred, Jr. and James. He is laid to rest in Lisbon, Maine, at St. Anne’s Roman Catholic Cemetery. Building #7282 on GEN Brown Compound at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, is dedicated in his honor as Field Hall.

*SSG Field was promotable at the time of his death. The Night Stalker Memorial Wall was engraved with SGT Thomas J. Field prior to his posthumous promotion.