Bio of Ltjg Lloyd Thomas
Perry Rice Thomas and Donna M Fisher were married on 30 April 1904 in Hocking county, OH. They were the parents of at least six children: Catherine, George Arthur, Analee R., Marjorie Lorella, Lloyd, and Sarah. Perry and his son George Arthur were coal miners. George was killed in a mine explosion on 5 Nov 1930. Daughter Marjorie enlisted in the US Army in 1945 and was a 1Lt.
Lloyd graduated from Ohio University in Athens, OH in June 1934 with a Bachelor of Science degree. He enlisted in the US Naval Reserve pilot training program (V-5), and after he completed Elimination training was appointed an aviation cadet on 4 Oct 1938. He began his training at Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, FL. After almost a year's intensive flight training Thomas received his naval aviator designation about Sept 1939. The following month he was commissioned an Ensign, USNR, AV(N), on 26 Oct 1939 with a date of rank of 15 Oct 1939. According to the Pensacola (FL) News Journal, Wings Over Pensacola section of 05 Nov 1939, Aviation Cadet Lloyd Thomas received his designation as a naval aviator, was commissioned an ensign in the Naval Reserve Force, and was transferred to VT-6, U.S.S. Enterprise. He reported to Torpedo Squadron Six (VT-6) aboard the USS Enterprise (CV-6) on 13 Dec 1939. He was transferred from the Naval Reserve Force to the Regular Navy (USN) on 4 April 1941. Later that year on 01 Nov 1941, he was promoted to Lieutenant, junior grade (Ltjg).
Lloyd Thomas married Mildred Ida Macklin about 1941. Mildred was a navy nurse and was the daughter of Thomas Stewart and Ada (McMahon) Macklin. Thomas was a naval officer. Mildred was born in Guantanamo, Cuba. Mildred died on 18 Nov 1994 in California having never remarried.
On the morning of 4 Jun 1942, pilot Ltjg Lloyd Thomas and his radioman-gunner Aviation Radioman Second Class Harold Francis Littlefield launched in their torpedo plane from Enterprise along with other members of VT-6 and Air Group Six to attack the Japanese striking force that was near Midway. Separated from their covering fighter protection, VT-6 comprised of 14 torpedo planes pressed their attack even though overwhelmed by superior numbers of Japanese fighter aircraft. One by one, the planes of VT-6 were shot down. Of the 14 planes only four returned from their mission. Ltjg Thomas and Petty Officer Littlefield did not return. According to the USS Enterprise after action report for the Battle of Midway dated 8 Jun 1942 for VT-6, Ltjg L. Thomas, USN and ARM2 H.F. Littlefield, USN were listed among the personnel losses. Their remains were unrecoverable. They were considered "missing in action" until 05 Jun 1943 when they were "presumed dead."
Ltjg Thomas was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross, the Purple Heart, and the Presidential Unit Citation.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Those pilots and crew of VT-6 that were killed in action on 04 June 1942 included:
1) Lt Arthur Vincent Ely (VT-6 XO) and his gunner, RM3Arthur Richard Lindgren
2) Lt Paul James Riley and his gunner, ARM2 Edwin John Mushinski
3) Ltjg John Thomas Eversole and his gunner, RM2 John Udell Lane
4) Ltjg Randolph Mitchell Holder and his gunner, ARM3 Gregory Joseph Durawa
5) Ltjg Severin Louis Rombach and his gunner, ARM2 Wilburn Forrest Glenn
6) Ltjg Lloyd Thomas and his gunner, ARM2 Harold Francis Littlefield
7) Ensign John Wiley Brock and his gunner, ARM3 John Melville Blundell
8) Ensign Flourenoy Glenn Hodges and his gunner, RM2 John Hail Bates
9) Lcdr Eugene Elbert Lindsey (CO VT-6) and his gunner, ARMC Charles Tilden Grenat
-------------------------------------------------
Contrary to what some researchers have stated, neither Ltjg Thomas nor any of the Navy/Marine Corps aviators who engaged in aerial combat during the Air Battle of Midway were/are eligible for the Combat Action Ribbon (CAR). See SecNavInst 1650.1H (Navy/Marine Corps Awards Manual dated 22 Aug 2006) for award criteria details.
------------------------------------------------------------------
The Marion Star, (Marion, OH) Wednesday, 11 Nov 1942 p. 7
Ohio Naval Officers Given Navy Cross - Among Nine Listed as Missing at Midway
by the Associated Press
Washington, Nov. 11 -- Nine naval aviation officers, including Lieutenant (JG) Lloyd Thomas, 30, of Nelsonville, O., and Ensign Severin Louis Rombach, 27, of Cleveland; who fought in the battle of Midway and are listed as missing have been awarded the navy cross for extraordinary heroism. The navy announced today that each decoration was accompanied by the same citation praising each officer "for extraordinary heroism . . . [the citation is repeated as below] . . .” Lieutenant Thomas' mother, Mrs Donna M. Thomas, lives at Chuncey, O, and his wife, Mrs. Mildred Macklin Thomas, lives at Ohau (sic) avenue, Honolulu. Ensign Rombach is the son of Mrs. C.F.Rombach of Cleveland. His wife, Mrs. Leah Greadwell (sic) Rombach also lives in Cleveland.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Navy Cross Citation reads:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Lloyd Thomas (NSN: 0-81617), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane of Torpedo Squadron SIX (VT-6), attached to the U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CV-6), during the "Air Battle of Midway," against enemy Japanese forces on 4 June 1942. Participating in a vigorous and intensive assault against the Japanese invasion fleet, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Thomas pressed home his attack with relentless determination in the face of a terrific barrage of anti-aircraft fire. The unprecedented conditions under which his squadron launched its offensive were so exceptional that it is highly improbably the occasion may ever recur where other pilots of the service will be called upon to demonstrate an equal degree of gallantry and fortitude. His extreme disregard of personal safety contributed materially to the success of our forces and his loyal conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
General Orders: Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 309 (December 1942)
--------------------------------------------------------------------
The Presidential Unit Citation awarded to the crew of USS Enterprise and her embarked Air Wing Six. The citation reads:
For consistently outstanding performance and distinguished achievement during repeated action against enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific war area, 7 December 1941, to 15 November 1942. Participating in nearly every major carrier engagement in the first year of the war, the Enterprise and her air group, exclusive of far-flung destruction of hostile shore installations throughout the battle area, did sink or damage on her own a total of 35 Japanese vessels and shot down a total of 185 Japanese aircraft. Her aggressive spirit and superb combat efficiency are fitting tribute to the officers and men who so gallantly established her as an ahead bulwark in the defense of the American nation.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
The first USS Lloyd Thomas (DE-312), a destroyer escort named in his honor was cancelled in 1944 prior to launching.
The second USS Lloyd Thomas (DE-374) a destroyer escort was cancelled in 1944 prior to construction.
The third USS Lloyd Thomas (DD/DDE-764) named in his honor was a Gearing-class destroyer in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War and the Vietnam War. USS Lloyd Thomas (DD-764) was laid down by Bethlehem Steel Corporation, Shipbuilding Division, San Francisco, California, 26 March 1944; launched 5 October 1945; sponsored by Mrs. Lloyd Thomas, widow of Lt(jg.) Thomas; and was commissioned 21 March 1947. She was decommissioned in 1973.
---------------------------------------------------------------
[bio compiled by G47]
Perry Rice Thomas and Donna M Fisher were married on 30 April 1904 in Hocking county, OH. They were the parents of at least six children: Catherine, George Arthur, Analee R., Marjorie Lorella, Lloyd, and Sarah. Perry and his son George Arthur were coal miners. George was killed in a mine explosion on 5 Nov 1930. Daughter Marjorie enlisted in the US Army in 1945 and was a 1Lt.
Lloyd graduated from Ohio University in Athens, OH in June 1934 with a Bachelor of Science degree. He enlisted in the US Naval Reserve pilot training program (V-5), and after he completed Elimination training was appointed an aviation cadet on 4 Oct 1938. He began his training at Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, FL. After almost a year's intensive flight training Thomas received his naval aviator designation about Sept 1939. The following month he was commissioned an Ensign, USNR, AV(N), on 26 Oct 1939 with a date of rank of 15 Oct 1939. According to the Pensacola (FL) News Journal, Wings Over Pensacola section of 05 Nov 1939, Aviation Cadet Lloyd Thomas received his designation as a naval aviator, was commissioned an ensign in the Naval Reserve Force, and was transferred to VT-6, U.S.S. Enterprise. He reported to Torpedo Squadron Six (VT-6) aboard the USS Enterprise (CV-6) on 13 Dec 1939. He was transferred from the Naval Reserve Force to the Regular Navy (USN) on 4 April 1941. Later that year on 01 Nov 1941, he was promoted to Lieutenant, junior grade (Ltjg).
Lloyd Thomas married Mildred Ida Macklin about 1941. Mildred was a navy nurse and was the daughter of Thomas Stewart and Ada (McMahon) Macklin. Thomas was a naval officer. Mildred was born in Guantanamo, Cuba. Mildred died on 18 Nov 1994 in California having never remarried.
On the morning of 4 Jun 1942, pilot Ltjg Lloyd Thomas and his radioman-gunner Aviation Radioman Second Class Harold Francis Littlefield launched in their torpedo plane from Enterprise along with other members of VT-6 and Air Group Six to attack the Japanese striking force that was near Midway. Separated from their covering fighter protection, VT-6 comprised of 14 torpedo planes pressed their attack even though overwhelmed by superior numbers of Japanese fighter aircraft. One by one, the planes of VT-6 were shot down. Of the 14 planes only four returned from their mission. Ltjg Thomas and Petty Officer Littlefield did not return. According to the USS Enterprise after action report for the Battle of Midway dated 8 Jun 1942 for VT-6, Ltjg L. Thomas, USN and ARM2 H.F. Littlefield, USN were listed among the personnel losses. Their remains were unrecoverable. They were considered "missing in action" until 05 Jun 1943 when they were "presumed dead."
Ltjg Thomas was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross, the Purple Heart, and the Presidential Unit Citation.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Those pilots and crew of VT-6 that were killed in action on 04 June 1942 included:
1) Lt Arthur Vincent Ely (VT-6 XO) and his gunner, RM3Arthur Richard Lindgren
2) Lt Paul James Riley and his gunner, ARM2 Edwin John Mushinski
3) Ltjg John Thomas Eversole and his gunner, RM2 John Udell Lane
4) Ltjg Randolph Mitchell Holder and his gunner, ARM3 Gregory Joseph Durawa
5) Ltjg Severin Louis Rombach and his gunner, ARM2 Wilburn Forrest Glenn
6) Ltjg Lloyd Thomas and his gunner, ARM2 Harold Francis Littlefield
7) Ensign John Wiley Brock and his gunner, ARM3 John Melville Blundell
8) Ensign Flourenoy Glenn Hodges and his gunner, RM2 John Hail Bates
9) Lcdr Eugene Elbert Lindsey (CO VT-6) and his gunner, ARMC Charles Tilden Grenat
-------------------------------------------------
Contrary to what some researchers have stated, neither Ltjg Thomas nor any of the Navy/Marine Corps aviators who engaged in aerial combat during the Air Battle of Midway were/are eligible for the Combat Action Ribbon (CAR). See SecNavInst 1650.1H (Navy/Marine Corps Awards Manual dated 22 Aug 2006) for award criteria details.
------------------------------------------------------------------
The Marion Star, (Marion, OH) Wednesday, 11 Nov 1942 p. 7
Ohio Naval Officers Given Navy Cross - Among Nine Listed as Missing at Midway
by the Associated Press
Washington, Nov. 11 -- Nine naval aviation officers, including Lieutenant (JG) Lloyd Thomas, 30, of Nelsonville, O., and Ensign Severin Louis Rombach, 27, of Cleveland; who fought in the battle of Midway and are listed as missing have been awarded the navy cross for extraordinary heroism. The navy announced today that each decoration was accompanied by the same citation praising each officer "for extraordinary heroism . . . [the citation is repeated as below] . . .” Lieutenant Thomas' mother, Mrs Donna M. Thomas, lives at Chuncey, O, and his wife, Mrs. Mildred Macklin Thomas, lives at Ohau (sic) avenue, Honolulu. Ensign Rombach is the son of Mrs. C.F.Rombach of Cleveland. His wife, Mrs. Leah Greadwell (sic) Rombach also lives in Cleveland.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Navy Cross Citation reads:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Lloyd Thomas (NSN: 0-81617), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane of Torpedo Squadron SIX (VT-6), attached to the U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CV-6), during the "Air Battle of Midway," against enemy Japanese forces on 4 June 1942. Participating in a vigorous and intensive assault against the Japanese invasion fleet, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Thomas pressed home his attack with relentless determination in the face of a terrific barrage of anti-aircraft fire. The unprecedented conditions under which his squadron launched its offensive were so exceptional that it is highly improbably the occasion may ever recur where other pilots of the service will be called upon to demonstrate an equal degree of gallantry and fortitude. His extreme disregard of personal safety contributed materially to the success of our forces and his loyal conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
General Orders: Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 309 (December 1942)
--------------------------------------------------------------------
The Presidential Unit Citation awarded to the crew of USS Enterprise and her embarked Air Wing Six. The citation reads:
For consistently outstanding performance and distinguished achievement during repeated action against enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific war area, 7 December 1941, to 15 November 1942. Participating in nearly every major carrier engagement in the first year of the war, the Enterprise and her air group, exclusive of far-flung destruction of hostile shore installations throughout the battle area, did sink or damage on her own a total of 35 Japanese vessels and shot down a total of 185 Japanese aircraft. Her aggressive spirit and superb combat efficiency are fitting tribute to the officers and men who so gallantly established her as an ahead bulwark in the defense of the American nation.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
The first USS Lloyd Thomas (DE-312), a destroyer escort named in his honor was cancelled in 1944 prior to launching.
The second USS Lloyd Thomas (DE-374) a destroyer escort was cancelled in 1944 prior to construction.
The third USS Lloyd Thomas (DD/DDE-764) named in his honor was a Gearing-class destroyer in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War and the Vietnam War. USS Lloyd Thomas (DD-764) was laid down by Bethlehem Steel Corporation, Shipbuilding Division, San Francisco, California, 26 March 1944; launched 5 October 1945; sponsored by Mrs. Lloyd Thomas, widow of Lt(jg.) Thomas; and was commissioned 21 March 1947. She was decommissioned in 1973.
---------------------------------------------------------------
[bio compiled by G47]
Bio of Ltjg Lloyd Thomas
Perry Rice Thomas and Donna M Fisher were married on 30 April 1904 in Hocking county, OH. They were the parents of at least six children: Catherine, George Arthur, Analee R., Marjorie Lorella, Lloyd, and Sarah. Perry and his son George Arthur were coal miners. George was killed in a mine explosion on 5 Nov 1930. Daughter Marjorie enlisted in the US Army in 1945 and was a 1Lt.
Lloyd graduated from Ohio University in Athens, OH in June 1934 with a Bachelor of Science degree. He enlisted in the US Naval Reserve pilot training program (V-5), and after he completed Elimination training was appointed an aviation cadet on 4 Oct 1938. He began his training at Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, FL. After almost a year's intensive flight training Thomas received his naval aviator designation about Sept 1939. The following month he was commissioned an Ensign, USNR, AV(N), on 26 Oct 1939 with a date of rank of 15 Oct 1939. According to the Pensacola (FL) News Journal, Wings Over Pensacola section of 05 Nov 1939, Aviation Cadet Lloyd Thomas received his designation as a naval aviator, was commissioned an ensign in the Naval Reserve Force, and was transferred to VT-6, U.S.S. Enterprise. He reported to Torpedo Squadron Six (VT-6) aboard the USS Enterprise (CV-6) on 13 Dec 1939. He was transferred from the Naval Reserve Force to the Regular Navy (USN) on 4 April 1941. Later that year on 01 Nov 1941, he was promoted to Lieutenant, junior grade (Ltjg).
Lloyd Thomas married Mildred Ida Macklin about 1941. Mildred was a navy nurse and was the daughter of Thomas Stewart and Ada (McMahon) Macklin. Thomas was a naval officer. Mildred was born in Guantanamo, Cuba. Mildred died on 18 Nov 1994 in California having never remarried.
On the morning of 4 Jun 1942, pilot Ltjg Lloyd Thomas and his radioman-gunner Aviation Radioman Second Class Harold Francis Littlefield launched in their torpedo plane from Enterprise along with other members of VT-6 and Air Group Six to attack the Japanese striking force that was near Midway. Separated from their covering fighter protection, VT-6 comprised of 14 torpedo planes pressed their attack even though overwhelmed by superior numbers of Japanese fighter aircraft. One by one, the planes of VT-6 were shot down. Of the 14 planes only four returned from their mission. Ltjg Thomas and Petty Officer Littlefield did not return. According to the USS Enterprise after action report for the Battle of Midway dated 8 Jun 1942 for VT-6, Ltjg L. Thomas, USN and ARM2 H.F. Littlefield, USN were listed among the personnel losses. Their remains were unrecoverable. They were considered "missing in action" until 05 Jun 1943 when they were "presumed dead."
Ltjg Thomas was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross, the Purple Heart, and the Presidential Unit Citation.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Those pilots and crew of VT-6 that were killed in action on 04 June 1942 included:
1) Lt Arthur Vincent Ely (VT-6 XO) and his gunner, RM3Arthur Richard Lindgren
2) Lt Paul James Riley and his gunner, ARM2 Edwin John Mushinski
3) Ltjg John Thomas Eversole and his gunner, RM2 John Udell Lane
4) Ltjg Randolph Mitchell Holder and his gunner, ARM3 Gregory Joseph Durawa
5) Ltjg Severin Louis Rombach and his gunner, ARM2 Wilburn Forrest Glenn
6) Ltjg Lloyd Thomas and his gunner, ARM2 Harold Francis Littlefield
7) Ensign John Wiley Brock and his gunner, ARM3 John Melville Blundell
8) Ensign Flourenoy Glenn Hodges and his gunner, RM2 John Hail Bates
9) Lcdr Eugene Elbert Lindsey (CO VT-6) and his gunner, ARMC Charles Tilden Grenat
-------------------------------------------------
Contrary to what some researchers have stated, neither Ltjg Thomas nor any of the Navy/Marine Corps aviators who engaged in aerial combat during the Air Battle of Midway were/are eligible for the Combat Action Ribbon (CAR). See SecNavInst 1650.1H (Navy/Marine Corps Awards Manual dated 22 Aug 2006) for award criteria details.
------------------------------------------------------------------
The Marion Star, (Marion, OH) Wednesday, 11 Nov 1942 p. 7
Ohio Naval Officers Given Navy Cross - Among Nine Listed as Missing at Midway
by the Associated Press
Washington, Nov. 11 -- Nine naval aviation officers, including Lieutenant (JG) Lloyd Thomas, 30, of Nelsonville, O., and Ensign Severin Louis Rombach, 27, of Cleveland; who fought in the battle of Midway and are listed as missing have been awarded the navy cross for extraordinary heroism. The navy announced today that each decoration was accompanied by the same citation praising each officer "for extraordinary heroism . . . [the citation is repeated as below] . . .” Lieutenant Thomas' mother, Mrs Donna M. Thomas, lives at Chuncey, O, and his wife, Mrs. Mildred Macklin Thomas, lives at Ohau (sic) avenue, Honolulu. Ensign Rombach is the son of Mrs. C.F.Rombach of Cleveland. His wife, Mrs. Leah Greadwell (sic) Rombach also lives in Cleveland.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Navy Cross Citation reads:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Lloyd Thomas (NSN: 0-81617), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane of Torpedo Squadron SIX (VT-6), attached to the U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CV-6), during the "Air Battle of Midway," against enemy Japanese forces on 4 June 1942. Participating in a vigorous and intensive assault against the Japanese invasion fleet, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Thomas pressed home his attack with relentless determination in the face of a terrific barrage of anti-aircraft fire. The unprecedented conditions under which his squadron launched its offensive were so exceptional that it is highly improbably the occasion may ever recur where other pilots of the service will be called upon to demonstrate an equal degree of gallantry and fortitude. His extreme disregard of personal safety contributed materially to the success of our forces and his loyal conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
General Orders: Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 309 (December 1942)
--------------------------------------------------------------------
The Presidential Unit Citation awarded to the crew of USS Enterprise and her embarked Air Wing Six. The citation reads:
For consistently outstanding performance and distinguished achievement during repeated action against enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific war area, 7 December 1941, to 15 November 1942. Participating in nearly every major carrier engagement in the first year of the war, the Enterprise and her air group, exclusive of far-flung destruction of hostile shore installations throughout the battle area, did sink or damage on her own a total of 35 Japanese vessels and shot down a total of 185 Japanese aircraft. Her aggressive spirit and superb combat efficiency are fitting tribute to the officers and men who so gallantly established her as an ahead bulwark in the defense of the American nation.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
The first USS Lloyd Thomas (DE-312), a destroyer escort named in his honor was cancelled in 1944 prior to launching.
The second USS Lloyd Thomas (DE-374) a destroyer escort was cancelled in 1944 prior to construction.
The third USS Lloyd Thomas (DD/DDE-764) named in his honor was a Gearing-class destroyer in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War and the Vietnam War. USS Lloyd Thomas (DD-764) was laid down by Bethlehem Steel Corporation, Shipbuilding Division, San Francisco, California, 26 March 1944; launched 5 October 1945; sponsored by Mrs. Lloyd Thomas, widow of Lt(jg.) Thomas; and was commissioned 21 March 1947. She was decommissioned in 1973.
---------------------------------------------------------------
[bio compiled by G47]
Perry Rice Thomas and Donna M Fisher were married on 30 April 1904 in Hocking county, OH. They were the parents of at least six children: Catherine, George Arthur, Analee R., Marjorie Lorella, Lloyd, and Sarah. Perry and his son George Arthur were coal miners. George was killed in a mine explosion on 5 Nov 1930. Daughter Marjorie enlisted in the US Army in 1945 and was a 1Lt.
Lloyd graduated from Ohio University in Athens, OH in June 1934 with a Bachelor of Science degree. He enlisted in the US Naval Reserve pilot training program (V-5), and after he completed Elimination training was appointed an aviation cadet on 4 Oct 1938. He began his training at Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, FL. After almost a year's intensive flight training Thomas received his naval aviator designation about Sept 1939. The following month he was commissioned an Ensign, USNR, AV(N), on 26 Oct 1939 with a date of rank of 15 Oct 1939. According to the Pensacola (FL) News Journal, Wings Over Pensacola section of 05 Nov 1939, Aviation Cadet Lloyd Thomas received his designation as a naval aviator, was commissioned an ensign in the Naval Reserve Force, and was transferred to VT-6, U.S.S. Enterprise. He reported to Torpedo Squadron Six (VT-6) aboard the USS Enterprise (CV-6) on 13 Dec 1939. He was transferred from the Naval Reserve Force to the Regular Navy (USN) on 4 April 1941. Later that year on 01 Nov 1941, he was promoted to Lieutenant, junior grade (Ltjg).
Lloyd Thomas married Mildred Ida Macklin about 1941. Mildred was a navy nurse and was the daughter of Thomas Stewart and Ada (McMahon) Macklin. Thomas was a naval officer. Mildred was born in Guantanamo, Cuba. Mildred died on 18 Nov 1994 in California having never remarried.
On the morning of 4 Jun 1942, pilot Ltjg Lloyd Thomas and his radioman-gunner Aviation Radioman Second Class Harold Francis Littlefield launched in their torpedo plane from Enterprise along with other members of VT-6 and Air Group Six to attack the Japanese striking force that was near Midway. Separated from their covering fighter protection, VT-6 comprised of 14 torpedo planes pressed their attack even though overwhelmed by superior numbers of Japanese fighter aircraft. One by one, the planes of VT-6 were shot down. Of the 14 planes only four returned from their mission. Ltjg Thomas and Petty Officer Littlefield did not return. According to the USS Enterprise after action report for the Battle of Midway dated 8 Jun 1942 for VT-6, Ltjg L. Thomas, USN and ARM2 H.F. Littlefield, USN were listed among the personnel losses. Their remains were unrecoverable. They were considered "missing in action" until 05 Jun 1943 when they were "presumed dead."
Ltjg Thomas was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross, the Purple Heart, and the Presidential Unit Citation.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Those pilots and crew of VT-6 that were killed in action on 04 June 1942 included:
1) Lt Arthur Vincent Ely (VT-6 XO) and his gunner, RM3Arthur Richard Lindgren
2) Lt Paul James Riley and his gunner, ARM2 Edwin John Mushinski
3) Ltjg John Thomas Eversole and his gunner, RM2 John Udell Lane
4) Ltjg Randolph Mitchell Holder and his gunner, ARM3 Gregory Joseph Durawa
5) Ltjg Severin Louis Rombach and his gunner, ARM2 Wilburn Forrest Glenn
6) Ltjg Lloyd Thomas and his gunner, ARM2 Harold Francis Littlefield
7) Ensign John Wiley Brock and his gunner, ARM3 John Melville Blundell
8) Ensign Flourenoy Glenn Hodges and his gunner, RM2 John Hail Bates
9) Lcdr Eugene Elbert Lindsey (CO VT-6) and his gunner, ARMC Charles Tilden Grenat
-------------------------------------------------
Contrary to what some researchers have stated, neither Ltjg Thomas nor any of the Navy/Marine Corps aviators who engaged in aerial combat during the Air Battle of Midway were/are eligible for the Combat Action Ribbon (CAR). See SecNavInst 1650.1H (Navy/Marine Corps Awards Manual dated 22 Aug 2006) for award criteria details.
------------------------------------------------------------------
The Marion Star, (Marion, OH) Wednesday, 11 Nov 1942 p. 7
Ohio Naval Officers Given Navy Cross - Among Nine Listed as Missing at Midway
by the Associated Press
Washington, Nov. 11 -- Nine naval aviation officers, including Lieutenant (JG) Lloyd Thomas, 30, of Nelsonville, O., and Ensign Severin Louis Rombach, 27, of Cleveland; who fought in the battle of Midway and are listed as missing have been awarded the navy cross for extraordinary heroism. The navy announced today that each decoration was accompanied by the same citation praising each officer "for extraordinary heroism . . . [the citation is repeated as below] . . .” Lieutenant Thomas' mother, Mrs Donna M. Thomas, lives at Chuncey, O, and his wife, Mrs. Mildred Macklin Thomas, lives at Ohau (sic) avenue, Honolulu. Ensign Rombach is the son of Mrs. C.F.Rombach of Cleveland. His wife, Mrs. Leah Greadwell (sic) Rombach also lives in Cleveland.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Navy Cross Citation reads:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Lloyd Thomas (NSN: 0-81617), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane of Torpedo Squadron SIX (VT-6), attached to the U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CV-6), during the "Air Battle of Midway," against enemy Japanese forces on 4 June 1942. Participating in a vigorous and intensive assault against the Japanese invasion fleet, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Thomas pressed home his attack with relentless determination in the face of a terrific barrage of anti-aircraft fire. The unprecedented conditions under which his squadron launched its offensive were so exceptional that it is highly improbably the occasion may ever recur where other pilots of the service will be called upon to demonstrate an equal degree of gallantry and fortitude. His extreme disregard of personal safety contributed materially to the success of our forces and his loyal conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
General Orders: Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 309 (December 1942)
--------------------------------------------------------------------
The Presidential Unit Citation awarded to the crew of USS Enterprise and her embarked Air Wing Six. The citation reads:
For consistently outstanding performance and distinguished achievement during repeated action against enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific war area, 7 December 1941, to 15 November 1942. Participating in nearly every major carrier engagement in the first year of the war, the Enterprise and her air group, exclusive of far-flung destruction of hostile shore installations throughout the battle area, did sink or damage on her own a total of 35 Japanese vessels and shot down a total of 185 Japanese aircraft. Her aggressive spirit and superb combat efficiency are fitting tribute to the officers and men who so gallantly established her as an ahead bulwark in the defense of the American nation.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
The first USS Lloyd Thomas (DE-312), a destroyer escort named in his honor was cancelled in 1944 prior to launching.
The second USS Lloyd Thomas (DE-374) a destroyer escort was cancelled in 1944 prior to construction.
The third USS Lloyd Thomas (DD/DDE-764) named in his honor was a Gearing-class destroyer in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War and the Vietnam War. USS Lloyd Thomas (DD-764) was laid down by Bethlehem Steel Corporation, Shipbuilding Division, San Francisco, California, 26 March 1944; launched 5 October 1945; sponsored by Mrs. Lloyd Thomas, widow of Lt(jg.) Thomas; and was commissioned 21 March 1947. She was decommissioned in 1973.
---------------------------------------------------------------
[bio compiled by G47]
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