Robert E. Thomas, Jr., Capt. USN., (Ret.) , WWII, Navy Cross, *PHM, *PHSA
Name: Robert E. Thomas, Jr.
Rank: Captain
Service: U. S. Navy (Retired)
Specialty: Gunnery Officer / Civil Engineer
Active Duty Dates: June 1937 to February 1964
Armed Conflicts: WWII
Campaigns: Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941
Decorations & Awards: Navy Cross, Purple Heart Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Theater, Pearl Harbor Survivors Medal, American Theater, American Defense, American Victory Medal
Speaking Subjects: Pearl Harbor Attack aboard the U.S.S. Nevada.
Official Navy Cross Citation
CAPT Robert E. Thomas, Jr., U.S.N.
Citation: Navy Cross
War: World War II
CAPTAIN ROBERT E. THOMAS, JR ., (then Ensign), U. S. Navy. For distinguished service in line of his profession, exceptional courage, coolness, and devotion to duty during the attack on the Fleet in Pearl Harbor, Territory of Hawaii, by Japanese forces on December 7, 1941. Despite heavy enemy bombing, strafing and torpedo attacks Ensign Thomas, battery officer on the 5” anti-aircraft battery of the U.S.S. Nevada, although seriously wounded and handicapped by heavy casualties to the personnel of the battery maintained a highly effective fire from his battery. Ensign Thomas reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
CPT Thomas resides in California.