Jack Bernard Thomann
PFC Jack B. Thomann was a Marine aviator with VMSB-341.
He was reported missing after a bombing mission to Lakunai, Rabaul area, on 26 January 1944.
Branch
Marine Corps Reserve
Service Number 502579
Current Status
Remains Not Recovered
Pursuit Category
The DPAA has not publicized this information.
Capsule History
Pre-War Life
Birth
February 7, 1924
at New York, NY
Parents
Jacob Peter Thomann
Caroline M. (Hoehing) Thomann
Education
Brooklyn Tech High School (1941)
Occupation & Employer
The Hazeltine Corporation
Service Life
Entered Service
November 24, 1942
at New York, NY
Home Of Record
59-05 Seabury Street
Elmhurst, NY
Next Of Kin
Parents, Jacob & Caroline Thomann
Military Specialty
Aviation radioman / gunner
Primary Unit
VMSB-341
Campaigns Served
Northern Solomons
Individual Decorations
Purple Heart
Additional Service Details
—
Loss And Burial
Circumstances Of Loss
On 26 January 1944, took off from Piva to participate in a strike against gun positions at Lakunai Airfield, Rabaul. First Lieutenant Howard M. Coonley and PFC Jack B. Thomann manned SBD-5 #36231, designated as Squadron Number 105. Little opposition was encountered over the target; Japanese anti-aircraft fire grew heavier as the strike force withdrew over Blanche Bay.
Number 105 was last seen making its dive on a gun position and failed to join up for the return flight. Coonley and Thomann were posted missing when the squadron landed back at Piva; theirs was the only ship that failed to return. Both Marines were ultimately declared dead on 16 January 1946.
Burial Information or Disposition
None; remains not recovered.
Memorials
Next Of Kin Address
Address of parents, Jacob & Caroline Thomann.
Location Of Loss
Former site of Lakunai Airfield.
The airfield was active until destroyed by a volcanic eruption in 1994.
