The following information was provided by FindAGrave contributor wings214, who also has kindly sponsored this memorial:
Navy Cross Citation
Awarded for actions during the World War II
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Private First Class Dennis F. Thomas (MCSN: 297233), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with Company A, FIRST Marine Raider Battalion in action against enemy Japanese forces near the Matanikau River on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on October 8 - 9, 1942. When his battalion moved into a defensive position along the Matanikau River, Private First Class Thomas and other members of his platoon bore the brunt of the heavy enemy assault against their hastily prepared positions. Approximately 150 Japanese, stealing through the dense jungle growth under cover of smoke, fiercely attacked the small group of Marines with automatic weapons, hand grenades, and bayonets. Fighting desperately in hand-to-hand combat against the overwhelming hostile forces, Private First Class Thomas refused to be dislodged from his position and after a tremendous toll of the enemy, heroically died at his post. His indomitable fighting spirit and unyielding devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. Private First Class Thomas gallantly gave his life for his country.
General Orders: Authority: Board of Awards: Serial 01177 (July 30, 1943)
Action Date: October 8 - 9, 1942
Service: Marine Corps
Rank: Private First Class
Company: Company A
Battalion: 1st Marine Raider Battalion
Navy Cross Citation
Awarded for actions during the World War II
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Private First Class Dennis F. Thomas (MCSN: 297233), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with Company A, FIRST Marine Raider Battalion in action against enemy Japanese forces near the Matanikau River on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on October 8 - 9, 1942. When his battalion moved into a defensive position along the Matanikau River, Private First Class Thomas and other members of his platoon bore the brunt of the heavy enemy assault against their hastily prepared positions. Approximately 150 Japanese, stealing through the dense jungle growth under cover of smoke, fiercely attacked the small group of Marines with automatic weapons, hand grenades, and bayonets. Fighting desperately in hand-to-hand combat against the overwhelming hostile forces, Private First Class Thomas refused to be dislodged from his position and after a tremendous toll of the enemy, heroically died at his post. His indomitable fighting spirit and unyielding devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. Private First Class Thomas gallantly gave his life for his country.
General Orders: Authority: Board of Awards: Serial 01177 (July 30, 1943)
Action Date: October 8 - 9, 1942
Service: Marine Corps
Rank: Private First Class
Company: Company A
Battalion: 1st Marine Raider Battalion
The following information was provided by FindAGrave contributor wings214, who also has kindly sponsored this memorial:
Navy Cross Citation
Awarded for actions during the World War II
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Private First Class Dennis F. Thomas (MCSN: 297233), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with Company A, FIRST Marine Raider Battalion in action against enemy Japanese forces near the Matanikau River on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on October 8 - 9, 1942. When his battalion moved into a defensive position along the Matanikau River, Private First Class Thomas and other members of his platoon bore the brunt of the heavy enemy assault against their hastily prepared positions. Approximately 150 Japanese, stealing through the dense jungle growth under cover of smoke, fiercely attacked the small group of Marines with automatic weapons, hand grenades, and bayonets. Fighting desperately in hand-to-hand combat against the overwhelming hostile forces, Private First Class Thomas refused to be dislodged from his position and after a tremendous toll of the enemy, heroically died at his post. His indomitable fighting spirit and unyielding devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. Private First Class Thomas gallantly gave his life for his country.
General Orders: Authority: Board of Awards: Serial 01177 (July 30, 1943)
Action Date: October 8 - 9, 1942
Service: Marine Corps
Rank: Private First Class
Company: Company A
Battalion: 1st Marine Raider Battalion
Navy Cross Citation
Awarded for actions during the World War II
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Private First Class Dennis F. Thomas (MCSN: 297233), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with Company A, FIRST Marine Raider Battalion in action against enemy Japanese forces near the Matanikau River on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on October 8 - 9, 1942. When his battalion moved into a defensive position along the Matanikau River, Private First Class Thomas and other members of his platoon bore the brunt of the heavy enemy assault against their hastily prepared positions. Approximately 150 Japanese, stealing through the dense jungle growth under cover of smoke, fiercely attacked the small group of Marines with automatic weapons, hand grenades, and bayonets. Fighting desperately in hand-to-hand combat against the overwhelming hostile forces, Private First Class Thomas refused to be dislodged from his position and after a tremendous toll of the enemy, heroically died at his post. His indomitable fighting spirit and unyielding devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. Private First Class Thomas gallantly gave his life for his country.
General Orders: Authority: Board of Awards: Serial 01177 (July 30, 1943)
Action Date: October 8 - 9, 1942
Service: Marine Corps
Rank: Private First Class
Company: Company A
Battalion: 1st Marine Raider Battalion
Inscription
MASSACHUSETTS
PFC US MARINE CORPS
WORLD WAR II
