Last Updated on 4 days ago by Vijay Kumar
After 57 long years, U.S. Navy Capt. Thomas Edwin Scheurich has finally returned home to Norfolk, Virginia, bringing closure to a chapter that began during the Vietnam War. His remains, identified by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) in April 2025, arrived in Norfolk on Thursday, where he was received with solemn honors and gratitude for his service and sacrifice.
After exiting the plane yesterday in Norfolk, Virginia, after 57 years, U.S. Navy Capt. Thomas E Scheurich has finally returned home.
Identified by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency in April 2025, Capt. Scheurich was lost in 1968 during a Vietnam War mission. Yesterday ,… pic.twitter.com/wPgFCwE3sb
— Tommy Norman (@OfficerNorman) November 8, 2025
Capt. Scheurich was lost in action on March 1, 1968, during a night mission over Vietnam. For decades, his family held onto hope, waiting for answers. On May 23, 2025, the family was notified that his remains had been recovered and positively identified, marking the end of a 57-year wait.
Born on August 19, 1933, in Norfolk, Nebraska, to Margurite and Edwin Scheurich, Thomas grew up on a family farm in Hoskins. A bright student with a passion for both music and aviation, he graduated from Norfolk High School in 1950 and continued his studies at Norfolk Junior College. In 1952, he was accepted into the United States Naval Aviation Cadet program, marking the beginning of a distinguished military career.
He earned his wings at NAS Whiting Field in Florida in 1953 and later completed a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, in 1966. During his service, Capt. Scheurich received multiple honors, including the Purple Heart Medal, Air Medal, National Defense Service Medal (2), Navy Unit Commendation, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Campaign Medal.
Beyond his military achievements, Tom was known for his zest for life. He taught himself to play the banjo and accordion and performed in a Dixieland band called Slo Roll Seven during the 1960s. A creative spirit, he once built his own boat and loved cruising around in his bright blue Austin-Healey Sprite with his family. Standing 6’4″, he was a gentle giant with an adventurous heart and an infectious love for life.
Capt. Scheurich is survived by his son, Thomas Edwin Scheurich Jr.; daughter Marianne Scheurich Lane (Bruce); sons-in-law Frank Soucy III and Peter Langlands Jr.; six grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Eileen Curtin Scheurich, and two of his children, Donna and David.
A memorial service and burial with full military honors will take place at 11 a.m. on Friday, November 14, 2025, at Arlington National Cemetery, where Capt. Scheurich will be laid to rest among fellow American heroes.
My name is Vijay Kumar. I work as content writer and founder of this website. I am studying BSC IT. I has been writing content since 2022. I also learn about journalism.
