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David
J.
Thomas
MIA (WWII) KIA
1917

–

1942-11-22

Born:

Poolville

, 

Oklahoma

Home:

Ardmore

, 

Oklahoma

Buried: 

Manila

, 

Philippine Islands

Cemetery:

A.B.M.C. Manila (Wall of the Missing)

David Thomas was one of six members of the air crew of a Flying Fortress flown by First Lieutenant Frost that earned a posthumous Silver Star for heroism during the bomber’s last mission. Shot down off the coast of New Britain Island, multiple parachutes were seen by other bombers in the formation, but no trace of the survivors was ever found.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Batallion:

    65th Bombardment Squadron

    Regiment:

    43d Bombardment Group (H)

    Division:

    5th Air Force

    Action Date:

    November 22, 1942
    Headquarters, 5th Air Force, General Orders No. 205 (September 24, 1943)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class David J. Thomas (ASN: 18029656), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as a member of the Air Crew of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber in the 65th Bombardment Squadron, 43d Bombardment Group (Heavy), FIFTH Air Force, in aerial operations against enemy shipping of the southern coast of New Britain Island in Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations, on 22 November 1942. After locating two Japanese destroyers, the bomber attacked and was hit by antiaircraft fire which set it on fire, forcing the crew to bail out in hostile territory. . The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private First Class Thomas, 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.