Lynch, Thomas J. "Tommy"

Date of birth:: December 9th, 1916 (Hazelton/Pennsylvania, United States)
Date of death:: March 8th, 1944 (Papua New Guinea)
Mentioned on:: American Cemetery and Memorial Manila
Nationality:: American

Biography

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Silver Star Medal (SSM)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Captain
Unit:: 39th Fighter Squadron, 35th Fighter Group, U.S. Army Air Forces
Awarded on:: 1942

Headquarters, Allied Air Forces in the Southwest Pacific Area, General Orders No. 26

Distinguished Service Cross (DSC)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Captain
Unit:: 39th Fighter Squadron, 35th Fighter Group, U.S. Army Air Forces
Awarded on:: 1943

"For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-38 Fighter Airplane in the 39th Fighter Squadron, 35th Fighter Group, FIFTH Air Force, in action near Buna, New Guinea, on 27 December 1942. Captain Lynch was leading a patrol flight of four P-38 planes when a formation of eight to ten enemy dive-bombers accompanied by fifteen to twenty fighter aircraft approached. The pilots of his flight were inexperienced and the P-38 as yet untried in combat in this area. Despite the odds, Captain Lynch led his flight in a determined attack. He succeeded in breaking the enemy formation and in preventing the enemy dive-bombers from reaching their objective. He shot down two planes, while others in his flight accounted for five. Because of Captain Lynch's daring and effective attack, other flights of our aircraft in the vicinity were enabled to attack the scattered enemy, and to shoot down six more and damage another. This engagement greatly heightened the combat spirit of Captain Lynch's squadron. Captain Lynch's unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 5th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces."

Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the Far East, General Orders No. 32