Thomas M. Montgomery

Lieutenant General Thomas M. Montgomery is a retired US Army officer who served as the deputy commander of UNOSOM I, UNITAF, and UNOSOM II in the Somali Civil War. He once referred to Mogadishu as the "Temple of Doom".

Early life and education

Thomas M. Montgomery was born in Indianapolis, Indiana on January 23, 1941 and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Slavic Languages and Literature from Indiana University in 1963, when he was also commissioned a second lieutenant of Armor. He holds a Master of Arts degree in Management from Central Michigan University. He is a member of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Seminar 21, attended the Center for Creative Leadership Program, and Harvard’s Program for Senior Managers in Government. His military education includes completion of the Armor School, United States Armed Forces Staff College, the Army War College, and the Capstone Course for joint flag officers.

Military career

Montgomery served two tours in Vietnam, first as a Troop Commander in the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment and second as a staff officer in the 23d Infantry Division (Americal), and at US Army Headquarters in Vietnam.