Thomas Joseph Commerford
Sergeant Thomas Joseph Comerford was an aviation radioman assigned to VMTB-233.
He was reported missing in action when his bomber went down in Kula Gulf, near New Georgia, on 11 September 1943.
Branch
Marine Corps Regular
Service Number 388922
Current Status
Remains Not Recovered
Pursuit Category
The DPAA has not publicized this information.
Capsule History
Pre-War Life
Birth
September 22, 1923
at Scranton, PA
Parents
Thomas P. Comerford
Mary Hazel (Fursha) Comerford
Education
Scranton Central High School
Occupation & Employer
High school student
Service Life
Entered Service
April 14, 1942
at Philadelphia, PA
Home Of Record
1038 Woodlawn Street
Scranton, PA
Next Of Kin
Mother, Mrs. “Hazel” Comerford
Military Specialty
Aviation radioman
Primary Unit
VMTB-233
Campaigns Served
Northern Solomons
Individual Decorations
Purple Heart
Additional Service Details
—
Loss And Burial
Circumstances Of Loss
On 11 September 1943, 15 TBF Avenger torpedo bombers were ordered to strike Parapatu Point on the island of Kolombangara, northwest of New Georgia. One plane was to be flown by a crew from COMAIRSOLS Strike Command: LtCdr. H. H. “Swede” Larsen (USN), Lt. Charles F. Nielsen (USN), and TSgt. Charles E. Woods (USMC). They were short a radio operator, and Sergeant Comerford was chosen for the role.
Over the target, Larsen’s TBF (Bureau Number 06350) was hit and started smoking. The pilot pulled up to 3,000 feet and ordered the crew to bail out. Only one parachute was seen. The stricken bomber looped and spun before settling into a level descent; it landed in the water and floated for 45 seconds. Other pilots spotted two swimmers in the water – one from the parachute, the other near the crash site.
TSgt. Wood swam away from the bomber and was rescued that night; LtCdr. Larsen was the parachutist and was picked up the next day. Comerford and Lt. Nielsen were never seen again. Both were listed as missing, and later declared dead as of 12 September 1944.
Burial Information or Disposition
None; missing and presumed lost at sea.
Memorials
Next Of Kin Address
Address of parents, Thomas & Hazel Comerford.
Location Of Loss
Comerford’s aircraft was hit over Kolombangara and crashed into Kula Gulf.
