The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Commodore Thomas Selby Combs (NSN: 0-56057), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States in connection with the operation of U.S. Naval Aircraft in the Southwest Pacific Area. During the period 2 July 1943 to 9 July 1944, during which he was Commander U.S. Naval Aircraft, Southwest Pacific Area, Commander U.S. Naval Aircraft SEVENTH Fleet Air Wing TEN, and from 2 October 1943 to 3 July 1944 during which he was in addition Commander Fleet Air Wing SEVENTEEN, Commodore Combs’ leadership and his devotion to duty were an inspiration to officers and men under his command. His personal courage and determination are reflected in the bold and sustained attacks by units of his command, which have resulted in the sinking of more than 100,000 tons of shipping vital to the supply of enemy garrisons. Attacks on enemy land installations and on enemy cruisers, destroyers, submarines, barges and luggers and heavily armed merchant ships by slow-flying patrol aircraft of his command have resulted in the dissipation of the enemy’s resources at a crucial time. Through his initiative, new methods of attack have been devised and tested which have added to the effectiveness of aircraft in all theaters. By his energetic leadership, initiative, good judgment and professional skill Commodore Combs has materially contributed to the successful progress of the war in the Southwest Pacific Area. His conduct has been in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
Board Serial 291 (March 29, 1960)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Vice Admiral Thomas Selby Combs (NSN: 0-56057), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States from December 1958 to April 1960 as Commander, Eastern Sea Frontier; Commandant, THIRD Naval District; Commander, Atlantic Reserve Fleet; and United States Navy Representative on the United States Delegation, United Nations Military Staff Committee. An outstanding leader, Vice Admiral Combs has been highly successful in improving the procedures and facilities for logistic support of Fleet units and in planning for the wartime control and operation of shipping from the East Coast of the United States. Exercising keen perception, resoluteness, and professional acumen in meeting the challenging problems created by the absorption of the duties and responsibilities of the Commandant, THIRD Naval District, he has been instrumental in effecting considerable savings to the Navy Department and to the Government of the United States. Vice Admiral Combs simultaneously commanded the Atlantic Reserve Fleet, and served as United States Navy Representative on the United States Delegation to the United Nations Military Staff Committee. Through his forceful leadership and comprehensive grasp of the tactical application of oceanographic activities, he has contributed immeasurably to the effectiveness of United States Naval Forces in the vital area of the Eastern Sea Frontier. Vice Admiral Combs’ distinguished achievements reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Rear Admiral [the Captain]Division:
U.S.S. Yorktown (CV-10)Action Date:
March 19, 1945
Serial 01129 (July 6, 1945)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Rear Admiral [the Captain] Thomas Selby Combs (NSN: 0-56057), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the Aircraft Carrier U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-10), in action against enemy forces in the vicinity of Kyushu, Japan, on 18 March 1945. courageously directing all activities from the exposed fore part of his bridge when hostile planes made repeated dive-bombing attacks, Rear Admiral Combs strategically maneuvered his ship and directed the anti-aircraft batteries so that all four of the attacking planes were destroyed and only minor damage from a glancing hit was suffered by his carrier, although three bombs were accurately dropped by the enemy in attempting its destruction. His outstanding devotion to duty and leadership which undoubtedly saved the U.S.S. YORKTOWN from serious damage or possible sinking were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 1894 (November 20, 1945)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Rear Admiral Thomas Selby Combs (NSN: 0-56057), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Chief of Staff and Aide to Commander SEVENTH Fleet during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Southwest Pacific Area from 29 April to November 1945. Efficiently meeting the demands of his office during this period, Rear Admiral Combs rendered invaluable assistance to the Commander SEVENTH Fleet in planning and executing the consolidation operations for methodical elimination of hostile resistance in the Philippine Islands and other islands which had been by-passed, and assisted greatly in formulating the plans for the invasion of the Japanese homeland. With the termination of hostilities in the Pacific, he contributed materially to the successful occupation of China and Korea. Employing his vast Naval experience, he aided in the conversion of the SEVENTH Fleet into an effective peace-time force. His professional skill and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Rear Admiral Combs and the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit to Vice Admiral Thomas Selby Combs (NSN: 0-56057), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services from December 1958 to April 1960 as Commander, Eastern Sea Frontier; Commandant, THIRD Naval District; Commander, Atlantic Reserve Fleet; and United States Navy Representative on the United States Delegation, United Nations Military Staff Committee. An outstanding leader, Vice Admiral Combs has been highly successful in improving the procedures and facilities for logistic support of Fleet units and in planning for the wartime control and operation of shipping from the East Coast of the United States. Exercising keen perception, resoluteness, and professional acumen in meeting the challenging problems created by the absorption of the duties and responsibilities of the Commandant, THIRD Naval District, he has been instrumental in effecting considerable savings to the Navy Department and to the Government of the United States. Vice Admiral Combs simultaneously commanded the Atlantic Reserve Fleet, and served as United States Navy Representative on the United States Delegation to the United Nations Military Staff Committee. Through his forceful leadership and comprehensive grasp of the tactical application of oceanographic activities, he has contributed immeasurably to the effectiveness of United States Naval Forces in the vital area of the Eastern Sea Frontier. Vice Admiral Combs’ distinguished achievements reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Rear Admiral Thomas Selby Combs (NSN: 0-56057), United States Navy, was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States.