Thomas enlisted in the U.S.Navy on July 1, 1943 at the age
of 19.
After basic training Thomas was assigned to the U.S.S. Guest
DD-472 which was a destroyer in the Pacific theater of operations.
His job while on the Guest was that of Torpedo Officer and
Assistant Gunnery Officer.
Thomas’ most memorable experiences was that of chasing the
Japanese fleet in the Philippine Sea during the battle of the Mariana’s.
Another notable experience was when the Guest took part in
the rescue of the crew from the U.S.S. Perry. Other memories was seeing the
flag at Iwo Jima and experiencing the horror of Japanese kamikazes during the
battle of Okinawa.
Thomas was discharged on June 16, 1946 with the rank of Lt.
(JG.)
However Thomas stayed in the Naval Reserve until 1964 and
was a member of JAG Corps.
His awards include the American Theater Medal, Navy
Occupation and Philippine Liberation Medals. Also awarded was the Philippine
Republic Presidential Unit Citation Badge, Navy Reserve Medal and the Asiatic
Pacific Medal with Five Battle Stars.
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