Military Honors for Captain Robert Thomas Jr

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• published: 04 Mar 2015
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The family of CAPT Robert Ellsworth Thomas Jr. has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to attend the service of their Hero, it will be our honor to do so. Captain Thomas served in the U.S. Navy from June, 1937 until his honorable discharge Feb, 1964. He began his Navy career at the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, 4 years later, after graduation, in Feb, 1941, he began active duty as an Ensign on board the USS Nevada. His job was to command the seven starboard side 5" guns. On the morning of Dec 7, 1941 the USS Nevada was in Pearl Harbor and was moored immediately behind the USS Arizona when General Quarters were sounded. He was thrown 20 feet when the Arizona exploded, and immediately scrambled back to manning his guns. As a result of his non relenting action against the Japanese planes, hitting at least one of them, even after being wounded himself when a Japanese dive-bomber sent a bomb through the deck within feet of him, he was awarded the Navy Cross and the Purple Heart. Captain Thomas later served as a Public Works Officer at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba before going to the Naval War College in the fall of 1962. Captain Thomas' class devised the Cuban Blockade plan implemented by President Kennedy during the Cuban Missile Crisis. When Captain Thomas retired from the Navy in 1964 he worked as the Director of Building Services for Orange County, CA. In 1968, he was promoted as Orange County's first County Administrative Officer (CAO) before retiring in Feb, 1986. Captain Thomas enjoyed his retirement years, he loved to play golf and had a 7 handicap for many years. He also flew light aircraft with his private license, he and his wife Carol flew all over the U.S. He also took up riding a motorcycle and owned several Hondas, traveling all over the Western U.S. with his son, Major Robert E. Thomas III, USMC(Ret), who also rides. Captain Thomas' wife Carol predeceased him in 1982, he is survived by 3 children, Helen, Robert III, and Lynn, also 8 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren. NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this American Hero. There will be a Flag Line at the Gate for this Hero, Pearl Harbor Survivor and recipient of the Navy Cross. Time Table for Tuesday, 24 FEB 15: 1230 - Stage at the Gate of Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA 92518 1245 - Mission briefing 1300 - ETA of coach with Hero and Flag Line at Gate 1330 - KSU to assigned shelter for Flag Line, Service and Military Honors. R/C Candelario 'Candyman' Rodriguez Patriot Guard Ride Captain candelario4u@aol.com 909-973-4195