Career
Thomas joined the Army from Ypsilanti, Michigan in 1942, and by April 22, 1945 was serving as a private first class in the 149th Infantry Regiment, 38th Infantry Division. On that day, during a firefight in the Zambales Mountains on the island of Luzon in the Philippines, Thomas continued to fight even after being mortally wounded by an explosion which blew off both of his legs. He died later that day and was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor five months later, on September 24, 1945.
Thomas, aged 22 at his death, was buried at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial in the Philippines.
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