Thomas Elbert Edwards, Jr.

Lieutenant, U. S. Navy

Navy Cross

Thomas Edwards graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1937. During World War II, he was declared Missing in Action after a mission on January 30, 1943.

GENERAL ORDERS:
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Thomas Elbert Edwards (NSN: 0-78719), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Scouting Plane in Scouting Squadron TWO (VS-2), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-2), in action against enemy Japanese forces during the Air Battle of the Coral Sea on 7 and 8 May 1942.
With Participating in a dive-bombing attack on an enemy aircraft carrier on 7 May, Lieutenant Edwards contributed materially to the destruction of the vessel by pressing home his attack with skill and determination. On 8 May he launched repeated counterattacks against Japanese aircraft in the face of heavy fighter opposition. His conspicuous devotion to duty and utter disregard of personal safety were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

GENERAL ORDERS:
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Thomas Elbert Edwards (NSN: 0-78719), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Combat Plane attached to the U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CV-6), during aerial combat against enemy Japanese forces in the Guadalcanal Area on 15 November 1942.
Despite a serous knee injury, Lieutenant Edwards finally gained permission to leave the Army Hospital at Nouema in order to return to his Squadron. Gallantly leading his flight against Japanese fighter planes and with utter disregard for his own personal safety, he destroyed one enemy fighter and damaged two others, thereby contributing in great part to repelling a bombing raid.
Following this action he returned to his base, re-serviced, and immediately took off again in quest of the enemy, later voluntarily strafing enemy positions west of Henderson Field. His personal valor, skillful leadership, and aggressive fighting spirit were an inspiration to all the pilots based on Guadalcanal and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.