During World War II, Thomas Lanphier flew 97 missions out of Guadalcanal. He became an ACE, credited with shooting down 5.5 enemy aircraft in aerial combat. He was awarded a rare Navy Cross for his 432-mile low-level intercept mission to attack and shoot down Admiral Yamamoto, the longest successful fighter intercept mission flown during World War II. After the war he served in the U.S. Air Force Reserves, reaching the rank of Colonel. In civilian live, he became editor of the Idaho “Daily Statesman” and Boise “Capital News” newspapers.
Sponsored by:
Thomas
George
Lanphier
, Jr.
November 27, 1915
–
November 26, 1987
Cemetery:
Arlington National Cemetery
Awards Received
-
Silver Star
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
-
Silver Star
-
Navy Cross
-
Silver Star
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
First Lieutenant (Air Corps)Batallion:
339th Fighter SquadronRegiment:
347th Fighter GroupDivision:
13th Air ForceAction Date:
World War II
Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the South Pacific Area, General Orders No. 56 (March 9, 1943)(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Thomas George Lanphier, Jr., United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-38 Lightning Fighter Airplane of the 339th Fighter Squadron, 347th Fighter Group, THIRTEENTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations, in 1943. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Lanphier, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Captain (Air Corps)Batallion:
339th Fighter SquadronRegiment:
347th Fighter GroupDivision:
13th Air ForceAction Date:
World War II
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain (Air Corps) Thomas George Lanphier, Jr. (ASN: 0-429816), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a P-38 Fighter Pilot of the 339th Fighter Squadron, 347th Fighter Group, THIRTEENTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Captain (Air Corps)Batallion:
339th Fighter SquadronRegiment:
347th Fighter GroupDivision:
13th Air ForceAction Date:
World War II
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain (Air Corps) Thomas George Lanphier, Jr. (ASN: 0-429816), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a P-38 Fighter Pilot of the 339th Fighter Squadron, 347th Fighter Group, THIRTEENTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.
-
Silver Star
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Captain (Air Corps)Batallion:
339th Fighter SquadronRegiment:
347th Fighter GroupDivision:
13th Air ForceAction Date:
World War II
Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the South Pacific Area, General Orders No. 152 (June 21, 1943)(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain (Air Corps) Thomas George Lanphier, Jr., United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-38 Lightning Fighter Airplane of the 339th Fighter Squadron, 347th Fighter Group, THIRTEENTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations, in 1943. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Lanphier, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.
-
Navy Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Captain (Air Corps)Batallion:
339th Fighter SquadronRegiment:
37th Fighter GroupDivision:
13th Air Force (Detached)Action Date:
April 18, 1943
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain (Air Corps) Thomas George Lanphier, Jr., United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism while serving as Pilot of a P-38 fighter airplane in the 339th Fighter Squadron, 37th Fighter Group, THIRTEENTH Air Force, U.S. Army Air Forces, attached to a Marine Fighter Command in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands on 18 April 1943. Leading a division of fighter planes at dangerously low altitude in the longest planned interception mission ever attempted, Captain Lanphier contacted the assigned objective, consisting of two enemy bombers and six escort fighters, with complete tactical surprise and launched a fierce, determined attack. In the ensuing engagement he operated with such daring courage and excellent marksmanship that he sent the leading bomber crashing in flames, and subsequently shot down one of the hostile fighters when it furiously attacked his plane. The outstanding professional skill and inspiring leadership displayed by Captain Lanphier under extremely adverse conditions contributed greatly to the remarkable success of this vital mission and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Armed Services.