Thomas James Reeves facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thomas James Reeves
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Chief Radioman Thomas J. Reeves
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| Born | December 9, 1895 Thomaston, Connecticut |
| Died | December 7, 1941 (aged 45) Pearl Harbor, Territory of Hawaii |
| Place of burial |
National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Honolulu, Hawaii
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| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
 United States Navy Reserve United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1917 – 1919 (Navy Reserve) 1920 – 1941 (Navy) |
| Rank | Chief Radioman |
| Unit | USS California (BB-44) |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards |  Medal of Honor |
Thomas James Reeves, born in Thomaston, Connecticut, December 9, 1895, was a US Navy radioman who became the namesake of the destroyer escort USS Reeves. Reeves was killed during the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, and posthumously received the Medal of Honor.
Military service
Thomas Reeves enlisted in the United States Naval Reserve as Electrician third class on July 20, 1917. Released from duty July 21, 1919, he was recalled to active duty and was transferred to the regular Navy April 16, 1920 and served until discharged August 21, 1921. On October 12, 1921, he re-enlisted in the Navy making it his career.
Advanced through the rates to chief radioman, Reeves was serving aboard the battleship USS California (BB-44) when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941. During that attack the mechanized ammunition hoists in the battleship were put out of commission. Reeves "... on his own initiative, in a burning passageway, assisted in the maintenance of an ammunition supply by hand to the antiaircraft guns until he was overcome by smoke and fire which resulted in his death." For his distinguished conduct, RMC Reeves posthumously received the Medal of Honor.
Namesake
In 1943, the destroyer escort USS Reeves (DE-156) was named in his honor.
See also
