KIA, Pilot B-24 42-40312 'Aire Lobo', Lost over Ploesti 1 Aug 43 - A/C was hit by flak before the target and again on the cockpit area after bombing. Gunners believed wounded. A/C came down in the target area striking the ground with the left wing before disintegrating. 9 KIA 1 POW. MACR 227.

In 2018, the U.S. Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency began what would be a years-long process in which Thomas’s remains were finally identified via DNA. His homecoming is detailed in this Cornell University alumni magazine article:

https://alumni.cornell.edu/cornellians/thomas-mia/?utm_source=sfmc&utm_…;