William Garfield Thomas, Jr.
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William Garfield Thomas, Jr. (13 September 1916 - 12 October 1942) was born in Watsontown, Pennsylvania.
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[edit] Naval career
He enlisted in theU.S. Naval Reserve at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 14 June. He was appointed midshipman 10 August 1940, commissioned ensign 14 November 1940, and promoted to lieutenant (j.g.) 15 June 1942.
He was serving in light cruiser USS Boise (CL-47) during the Battle of Cape Esperance 11-. When his "turret was hit by enemy fire and danger of ... explosions grew increasingly imminent, Lt. (j.g.) Thomas with utter disregard of his own personal safety remained behind to ensure abandonment of the perilous area . . . Despite the fact that eight of his men succeeded in getting out and that he too might easily have escaped . . . Thomas when last seen was telephoning the handling room to order the crew out."
[edit] Awarded the Navy Cross
He was awarded the Navy Cross for giving up his life in the defense of his country.
[edit] Namesake
USS Garfield Thomas (DE-193) was named in his honor. The ship was laid down 23 September 1943 by the Federal Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Co., Newark, New Jersey; launched 12 December 1943; sponsored by Lt. Betty K. Thomas, Nurse Corps, United States Army, sister of Lt. (j.g.) W. G. Thomas; and, commissioned 24 January 1944.
[edit] References
This article includes text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.
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