Briefing Document: Thomas Maurice Magness - World War II Service

Subject: Life and Military Service of Thomas Maurice Magness

Date: October 26, 2023

Sources: https://hotvetsmem.com/ww2cas/ww2comanche/hotww2hrbiocomanche.html#TMM

Summary: This document details the life and military service of Thomas Maurice Magness, who served in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II and died in action in Papua New Guinea.

Key Themes and Facts:

Early Life and Family:Born on September 25, 1916, in Comanche County, Texas.

Parents: Roxie A. McInnish and Thomas Morgan Magness. His father died when Thomas was about 5 years old.

His family moved multiple times within Texas.

He had five brothers and three sisters.

By 1935, he was living in Ventura, California.

Education and Pre-War Life:By 1940, Magness was a lodger in Santa Barbara, California, and a student at Santa Barbara State College.

He was registered for the draft on October 16, 1940.

His next of kin was listed as his mother, Mrs. Roxie Magness, of Breckenridge, Texas.

Military Enlistment and Training:Enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps as an Aviation Cadet on December 17, 1941, in Los Angeles, California.

Prior to enlistment he was a student with four years of college education.

Received his wings and commission as a Second Lieutenant at Kelly Field in San Antonio, Texas, in the summer of 1942.

Military Service and Combat:Served as a co-pilot in the 320th Bombardment Squadron, 90th Bombardment Group.

Assigned to Consolidated B-24D-50-CO Liberator (42-40327).

Based out of Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.

On July 20, 1943, while on a combat bombing mission near Madang, Papua New Guinea, his B-24 was attacked by five Japanese "Tonys."

The B-24 exploded in mid-air near Bena Bena, Papua New Guinea.

Death and Burial:Killed in action on July 20, 1943, in the B-24 explosion.

His body was recovered by Australian soldiers on the ground.

Initially buried in a temporary grave.

After the war, his remains were reinterred in the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial, in Manila, Philippines.

Honors:He was awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart posthumously.

Quotes:

"Thomas M. Magness asn-19065907 a single white male born Texas in 1916 residing in Ventura County, California being a student with four years of college education enlisted from civilian life into the US Army Air Corps as an Aviation Cadet at Los Angeles, California on 17 December 1941."

"Second Lieutenant Thomas M. Magness O-662580 US Army Air Forces 320th Bombardment Squadron 90th Bombardment Group. He was the co-pilot of Consolidated B-24D-50-CO Liberator 42-40327 out of Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea on 20 July 1943 on a combat bombing mission to the target near Madang, Papua New Guinea."

"On the return to home base they were attacked by five Japanese Tonys and the B-24 exploded in mid-air near Bena Bena."

"2Lt Magness' body was recovered, not sure when, and was buried in a temporary grave until after the war when his remains were reinterred in the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial at Manila, Capital District, National Capital Region, Philippines. Silver Star and Purple Heart."

Analysis:

The provided information gives a detailed snapshot of Thomas Maurice Magness's life. It paints a picture of a young man who grew up in Texas, moved to California, pursued higher education, and enlisted in the military shortly after the US entered World War II. His story is a tragic example of the countless lives lost during the conflict and shows his sacrifice for his country. The specifics of his combat experience and death highlight the dangers faced by aircrews in the Pacific Theater during the war.

This document provides a foundational understanding of Thomas Maurice Magness’s service.