Ellis Wiley Thomas

Marine Corps Reserve | Service Number 481500

Born

August 27, 1920
in Roanoke, VA

Parents

Roscoe C. Thomas (d. 1924)
Mary Ada (Jett) Thomas
later Mrs. Ada Bower

School

Details unknown

Pre-War Employment

Neuhoff’s Packers, Inc.

Entered Service

October 15, 1942
at Washington, D. C.

Joined First Battalion

December 15, 1942
from 13th Separate Recruit Bn.

Left First Battalion

June 18, 1944
Killed in action at Saipan

Left Service

June 18, 1944
Killed in action

Home Address and Next of Kin

Willis, Virginia – home of mother and stepfather, Mary and Pemelton Lee Bower

Service & Campaigns

Before joining battalion

Boot camp at New River, NC, with 13th Separate Recruit Battalion. Outposted directly to Baker Company, First Separate Battalion (Reinforced) at New River on 15 December 1942.

Roi-Namur

Outfit: B/1/24th Marines
Rank: Private First Class
MOS: 745 (Rifleman)

Campaign Narrative

Saipan

Outfit: B/1/24th Marines
Rank: Corporal
MOS: 745 (Rifleman)
Important Events:
June 18, 1944 – killed in action (gunshot wound, back of head); exact circumstances unknown
June 22, 1944 – buried Plot L, Row 2, Grave 59, Army Cemetery #1.

Campaign Narrative