Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
David
Jonathan
Thatcher
July 31, 1921

–

June 22, 2016

Born:

Bridger

, 

Montana

Home:

Bridger

, 

Montana

Buried: 

Missoula

, 

Montana

Cemetery:

Sunset Memorial Gardens

David Thatcher was one of the 80 airmen who, under the leadership of Jimmy Doolittle, disembarked from the U.S.S. Hornet in the first bombing raid over Tokyo in World War II. Following the raid he continued to serve in England and in North Africa until January 1944.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Corporal

    Division:

    Doolittle Tokyo Raider Force

    Action Date:

    April 18, 1942

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Corporal David J. Thatcher (ASN: 19019573), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement as Engineer/Gunner of a B-25 Bomber of the 1st Special Aviation Project (Doolittle Raider Force), while participating in a highly destructive raid on the Japanese mainland on 18 April 1942. Corporal Thatcher with 79 other officers and enlisted men volunteered for this mission knowing full well that the chances of survival were extremely remote, and executed his part in it with great skill and daring. This achievement reflects high credit on himself and the military service.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Corporal

    Division:

    Doolittle Tokyo Raider Force

    Action Date:

    April 18, 1942
    War Department, General Orders No. 33 (July 18, 1942)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal David Jonathan Thatcher (ASN: 19019573), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with the 1st Special Aviation Project (Doolittle Tokyo Raider Force), subsequent to the raid on Japan, 18 April 1942. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Corporal Thatcher, 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.