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Photo #  NH 106459:  Sergeant Herbert J. Thomas, USMCR

Online Library of Selected Images:
-- PEOPLE -- UNITED STATES --

Sergeant Herbert J. Thomas, USMCR, (1918-1943)

Herbert J. Thomas Jr. was born on 8 February 1918 in Columbus, Ohio. After attending high school at South Charleston, West Virginia, he attended Virginia Polytechnic Institute at Blacksburg, Virginia, where he excelled as a member of the football team. As the United States was increasing its defenses prior to entering World War II, he attempted to become a U.S. Army aviator but, in March 1942, enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. While in the Marine Corps, Thomas was promoted to Sergeant and served to the south Pacific war zone, where he served with Third Marines, a part of the Third Marine Division.

On 7 November 1943, while leading his squad in an assault on Japanese defenses at Koromokina River, Bougainville, in the northern Solomon Islands, Sergeant Thomas threw himself on a hand grenade to save his comrades. His heroric sacrifice so inspired the others that they successfully stormed the enemy position. For his "extraordinary heroism and conspicuous gallantry" on this occasion, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. Herbert J. Thomas is buried at Sunset Memorial Park, South Charleston, West Virginia.

USS Herbert J. Thomas (DD-833), 1945-1974, was named in honor of Sergeant Herbert J. Thomas.

This page features the only image we have concerning Herbert J. Thomas.


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Photo #: USMC 302918

Sergeant Herbert J. Thomas, USMCR


Medal of Honor recipient for whom USS Herbert J. Thomas (DD-833) was named. He was killed in action in the battle at the Koromokina River, Bougainville Island, Solomon Islands, 7 November 1943.

U.S. Marine Corps Photograph.

Online Image: 37KB; 580 x 765 pixels

 
Photo #: NH 106459

Sergeant Herbert J. Thomas, USMCR


Halftone reproduction of a photograph, copied from the official publication "Medal of Honor, 1861-1949, The Navy", page 267.
Herbert J. Thomas was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for "extraordinary heroism and conspicuous gallantry" while serving with the Third Marines, Third Marine Division in battle against the Japanese at Koromokina River, Bougainville Island, Solomon Islands, 7 November 1943.

U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph.

Online Image: 56KB; 580 x 765 pixels

 



Medal of Honor citation of Sergeant Herbert J. Thomas, USMCR (as printed in the official publication "Medal of Honor, 1861-1949, The Navy", page 267):

"For extraordinary heroism and conspicuous gallantry above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the battle at the Koromokina River, Bougainville Island, Solomon Islands, on 7 November 1943. Although several of his men were struck by enemy bullets as he led his squad through dense jungle undergrowth in the face of severe hostile machine-gun fire, Sergeant Thomas and his group fearlessly pressed forward into the center of the Japanese position and destroyed the crews of two machine guns by accurate rifle fire and grenades. Discovering a third gun more difficult to approach, he carefully placed his men closely around him in strategic positions from which they were to charge after he had thrown a grenade into the emplacement. When the grenade struck vines and fell back into the midst of the group, Sergeant Thomas deliberately flung himself upon it to smother the explosion, valiantly sacrificing his life for his comrades. Inspired by his selfless action, his men unhesitatingly charged the enemy machine gun and, with fierce determination, killed the crew and several other near-by defenders. The splendid initiative and extremely heroic conduct of Sergeant Thomas in carrying out his prompt decision with full knowledge of his fate reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country. "


NOTES:

  • To the best of our knowledge, the pictures referenced here are all in the Public Domain, and can therefore be freely downloaded and used for any purpose.

  • Some images linked from this page may bear obsolete credit lines citing the organization name: "Naval Historical Center". Effective 1 December 2008 the name should be cited as: "Naval History and Heritage Command".


    If you want higher resolution reproductions than the "Online Library's" digital images, see: "How to Obtain Photographic Reproductions."


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    Page made 31 March 2009
    Edited and reposted 18 September 2009