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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Thomas F. Moore, Jr. (MCSN: 0-7500), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a member of Marine Scout-Bombing Squadron TWO HUNDRED THIRTY-TWO (VMSB-232), in aerial combat against enemy Japanese surface forces off Ramos Island in the Solomon Islands Area on 28 August 1942. Boldly and fearlessly attacking an enemy destroyer force in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire, Second Lieutenant Moore landed a direct hit with a five hundred pound bomb on one of the enemy’s ships, thereby contributing in large part to the blowing up and sinking of that vessel. His cool courage and expert marksmanship were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Marine Scout-Bombing Squadron 241 (VMSB-241)

    Regiment:

    Marine Air Group 22 (MAG-22)

    Division:

    Naval Air Station, Midway

    Action Date:

    June 4 & 5, 1942
    Approved by the Secretary of the Navy on November 10, 1942

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Second Lieutenant Thomas F. Moore, Jr. (MCSN: 0-7500), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving as a Pilot in Marine Scout-Bombing Squadron TWO HUNDRED FORTY-ONE (VMSB-241), Marine Air Group TWENTY-TWO (MAG-22), Naval Air Station, Midway, during operations of the U.S. Naval and Marine Forces against the invading Japanese Fleet during the Battle of Midway on 4 and 5 June 1942. During the initial attack upon an enemy aircraft carrier, Second Lieutenant Moore, in a hail of blasting fire from Japanese fighter guns and anti-aircraft batteries, dived his plane to the perilously low altitude of four hundred feet before releasing his bomb. His courageous determination and extreme disregard of personal safety were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.