Thomas Carl Maxwell, Jr.

Conflicts & Campaigns

• Philippine Islands

Significant Duty Stations

• Enlisted; February 14, 1939. Enlisted as Pilot first class (AP1c) December 21, 1943. Appointed Ensign on December 21, 1943, NAS, Pensacola, Florida, December 14, 1944 NAS, Miami, Florida. March 18, 1944, Commander Carrier Qualification Training Unit, Glenview, Illinois, March 29, 1944, NAS Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn, New York, TAD Air Ferry Squadron One, ferrying new aircraft to west coast. Ordered to Commander Air Force, Pacific Fleet for further assignment to duty involving flying. On June 20, 1944 reported Torpedo Squadron 15 for duty involving flying. Pilot; TBM Avenger, Torpedo Squadron FIFTEEN (VT-15) USS Essex (CV-9).

Decorations & Citations

• Purple Heart; Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with two battle stars; Air Medal; Citation reads---Ensign Maxwell, pilot of a carrier-based torpedo plane in Torpedo Squadron FIFTEEN, inflicted extensive and costly damage upon Japanese ground positions, vital installations and shipping in the vicinity of the enemy held Marianas, Carolines and Philippine Islands from June 20 to September 12, 1944. This was accomplished during numerous combat missions by his flying deep into enemy territory in the face of terrific anti-aircraft fire and strong aerial opposition, inflicted extensive and costly damage upon Japanese ground positions, vital installations and shipping. Ensign Maxwell's expert airmanship, indomitable fighting spirit and cool courage under the most dangerous conditions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Notes

Born; Cairo, Georgia. Officially reported MISSING IN ACTION as of September 12, 1944, when the plane in which he was piloting failed to return from a bombing run and rocket attack on Opon Airfield, Mactan Island, Philippines. Maxwell along with crew members, Gunner Bernard Israel Schwartz ARM2 and Radioman William Alfred Shankle AMM1, were declared dead on February 6, 1946. Memorial marker in Manila American Cemetery, Fort Bonifacio, Manila, Philippines. Wife; Mrs. Bernice Louise Maxwell, 5019 South 43rd St., Omaha, Nebraska.