Papers

Letters and Diaries

Letter to parents, November 23, 1942 Click here to see transcription
Letter to parents, November 23, 1942
Click here to see transcription
Journal entries from diary, 1943-44 Click here to see transcription
Journal entries from diary, 1943-44
Click here to see transcription
Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Gerald Thomas presenting him with the Distinguished Flying Cross. Thomas received the citation for his service as a pilot in Torpedo Squadron Four during operations against Japanese forces in the Philippine Islands on November 13, 1944. Click on the image of the letter for a larger version. Dive bombers aboard the U.S.S. Essesx were replaced by two Marie fighter squadrons (VMF-124 and VMF-213) due to heavy losses. Thomas collected the signatures of the Marines who served on board the Essex.

Propaganda leaflets dropped on Tokyo on Navy's first carrier based strikes.

Leaflet 1 - front Leaflet 1- back Leaflet 2 - front Leaflet 2 - back