- SURNAME
Thomas
- FORENAME
Dennis Francis
- UNIT
1 Raider Bn (Company A)
- RANK
Private First Class
- NUMBER
297233
- DATE OF DEATH
9th October 1942
- AGE
22
- GRAVESITE
National Memorial Cemetery, Honolulu, Hawaii Plot C Row 0 Grave 1131
- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
from Massachusetts
born 29.04.1920, Barnstable, Massachusetts, USA
father Manuel M. Thomas
1939 graduated Barnstable High School
enlisted 09.1940
Next of kin - Mother. Mrs. Rose Thomas, RFD, West Barnstable, Massachusetts
award Navy Cross
KIA Guadalcanal,BSI
DATE OF DEATH:
09-Oct-1942AWARD:
https://www.specialforcesroh.com/index.php?threads/thomas-dennis-francis.29806/CITATION:
Navy Cross : The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Private First Class Dennis F. Thomas (MCSN: 297233), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with Company A, FIRST Marine Raider Battalion in action against enemy Japanese forces near the Matanikau River on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on October 8 - 9, 1942. When his battalion moved into a defensive position along the Matanikau River, Private First Class Thomas and other members of his platoon bore the brunt of the heavy enemy assault against their hastily prepared positions. Approximately 150 Japanese, stealing through the dense jungle growth under cover of smoke, fiercely attacked the small group of Marines with automatic weapons, hand grenades, and bayonets. Fighting desperately in hand-to-hand combat against the overwhelming hostile forces, Private First Class Thomas refused to be dislodged from his position and after a tremendous toll of the enemy, heroically died at his post. His indomitable fighting spirit and unyielding devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. Private First Class Thomas gallantly gave his life for his country.
FINDAGRAVE:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/141058899/dennis-francis-thomas
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