Rank/Rate: Officer’s Cook, Second Class

Service Number: 295 25 12

Birth Date: January 24, 1916

From: Nashville, Tennessee

Decorations: Purple Heart

Submarine: USS Argonaut (SS-166)

Loss Date: January 10, 1943

Location: Near Rabaul (05° 155’N, 153° 50’E)

Circumstances: Sunk by surface attack and depth charges

Remarks: Willie was born in Cornersville, Tennessee. The photo above is believed to be that of Willie Thomas, although he was unidentified in the source. Information courtesy of Paul W. Wittmer.

NavSource, Submarine Photo Archive for the USS Argonaut (SS-166)

On Eternal Patrol list of Submariners and Marines lost on the USS Argonaut (SS-166)

Find a Grave Memorial: CK2 Willie David Thomas (Manila American Cemetery and Memorial)