Harold Chester Thomas

Harold Chester Thomas (7 May 1907 in Cleo, Oklahoma – 11/12 October 1942), enlisted in the U.S. Navy 28 January 1927. He was appointed Carpenter 8 February 1933 and served in various ships and at Cavite before being commissioned Chief Carpenter 24 March 1939.

Thomas reported to USS Boise 14 May 1940 and was appointed Lieutenant (junior grade) 1 September 1942.

Heroic actions
During the Battle of Cape Esperance, 11–12 October 1942, Boise with three other cruisers and destroyers under Rear Admiral Norman Scott, exchanged salvos with enemy cruisers, and was badly hit by gunfire. Lt. (j.g.) Thomas lost his life while valiantly working with damage control parties to keep his ship in the battle, and was awarded the Navy Cross posthumously.