The evolution of limb loss care for one Vietnam Veteran

Tom McLaughlin, 78-year-old Marine Corps Veteran, spends a lot of time at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center. Sometimes in his own therapy appointments and sometimes serving as a mentor to fellow Veterans navigating limb loss.  

In 1968, while serving in Vietnam, McLaughlin was involved in a combat engagement with North Vietnamese forces. He had received word that another squad had been ambushed and attempted to assist them. At the time, his squad did not have a radio. As squad leader, McLaughlin took several Marines with him to assess the situation and provide support. 

As they moved through the village toward the ambushed squad, they encountered enemy forces. While his men maintained security, McLaughlin engaged the enemy. During the exchange, both sides sustained casualties.  

“I was struck by four bullets—one in the arm, one in the shoulder, and two in my left leg impacting both my knee and femur,” said McLaughlin. His actions disrupted the enemy’s initial ambush, causing them to break off their attack on the other squad. 

McLaughlin was medically evacuated to a forward hospital, where surgeons attempted grafts to save his leg. Unfortunately, the grafts were unsuccessful, and infection developed, ultimately necessitating an above-the-knee amputation of his left leg—all within one week of his injury. Due to the infection, his residual limb was casted, and he was transferred to Japan for further treatment, including management of surgical drains placed to control the infection. He was later transferred stateside to the Naval Hospital in Memphis, Tenn., where he underwent skin traction and additional recovery. After approximately one month in Memphis, he was moved to the Philadelphia Naval Hospital, which housed approximately 200 amputee patients at the time. McLaughlin recalls that his first prosthesis utilized older friction-knee technology dating back to the World War II era.  

Following eight months of rehabilitation and recovery, McLaughlin was able to return home to Minnesota.  

When McLaughlin first started receiving care at the Minneapolis VA Amputation Clinic, the new facility was still a pipe dream and accessibility was limited. The facility was not optimally designed to accommodate individuals with limb loss, he often found himself taking the stairs to appointments. When the new Minneapolis VA hospital opened in 1987 the amputation clinic was assessable and equipped with more space and expanded staff. 

Nearly 30 years after receiving his first prosthesis, McLaughlin was introduced to the microprocessor knee at the Minneapolis VA, and with it came a significant advancement. This technology greatly improved his mobility, providing enhanced stability and support, particularly when navigating stairs.  

“The most meaningful aspect of my care, has been the continuity provided by having the same physicians for many years. This continuity has fostered strong relationships. The medical team I work with has a deep understanding of my medical history,” said McLaughlin. 

One member of his team is Steve Brielmaier, physical therapist who has provided therapy for McLaughlin for over 20 years.  

Today, McLaughlin remains active, restoring vintage motorcycles and riding his three-wheeler. He continues to be involved in Veteran organizations at both the local and national levels. Until a few years ago, he traveled to Washington, D.C., two to three times per year to advocate on behalf of Veterans.  

In recent years he has become actively involved with the Minneapolis VA Amputation Clinic by trialing new prosthetic technologies and providing feedback. 

This involvement led him to become a Certified Peer Visitor, allowing him to support newly amputated Veterans at the VA. He offers education, encouragement, and mentorship throughout their recovery and rehabilitation. Drawing on decades of lived experience, he finds fulfillment in sharing the lessons and resilience that have sustained him.