Christopher, Thomas Aloysius
- Date of birth:
- May 24th, 1911 (Perth Amboy/New Jersey, United States)
- Nationality:
- American (1776 - present, Republic)
Biography
Thomas Christopher was born on 24th May 1911 in Perth Amboy, New Jersey. He was commisioned with the U.S. Navy Academy class of 1933. He flew the PBY's and was a squadron commander during the war.
He attained the rank of Rear Admiral and retired in July 1968.
Career:
2nd November 1943 - 11th May 1944: Commander Patrol Squadron 34 (VP-34) "Black Cats";
11th November 1957 - 19th November 1958: commanding Officer U.S.S. Essex.
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Navy Cross
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Lieutenant Commander
- Unit:
- Commander Patrol Squadron 34 (VP-34) "Black Cats"
- Awarded on:
- September 1944
"For extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Commander of a Navy Patrol Plane in Patrol Squadron Thirty-Four (VP-34), operating in the Bismarck Sea in the vicinity of strongly-defended Japanese bases on the nights of 31 December 1943 and 22 January 1944. On 31 December 1943 Lieutenant Commander Christopher attacked and damaged one enemy vessel during a night patrol. Again, on 22 January 1944 he attacked and damaged an enemy vessel at night, receiving damage from heavy AA fire resulting in injury to one crewmember. Lieutenant Commander Christopher pressed home his attacks despite adverse weather conditions, enemy aircraft and heavy antiaircraft fire which damaged his plane on both occasions. His leadership in seeking out the enemy and pressing home the attack under heavy fire, his outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."
Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 330 (September 1944).
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Lieutenant Commander
- Unit:
- Commander Patrol Squadron 34 (VP-34) "Black Cats"
- Awarded on:
- 1944
"For extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Commander of a Navy Patrol Plane in Patrol Squadron Thirty-Four (VP-34), operating in the Bismarck Sea in the vicinity of strongly-defended Japanese bases on 15 January 1944. Lieutenant Commander Christopher led a five-aircraft attack on a strongly escorted enemy convoy attempting to cross the straits. He made a masthead attack at extremely close range and personally accounted for one 6,800-ton merchantman, while the remainder of the flight destroyed two more. His leadership in seeking out the enemy and pressing home the attack under heavy fire, his outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."
Second Navy Cross received as a Golden Star for on the ribbon of the first Navy Cross.
Sources
- - Sterner C.D., Recipients of The Navy Cross, 1916 - Present
St. John P.A., USS Essex, Turner Publishing Company, Paducah, Kentucky, 1999, ISBN 1-56311-492-5
- Home of Heroes
- Dave Hansons Websites
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