DOB/DOD: October 17, 1919 (South Coventry, CT) – March 6, 1945; 25 years old
MARITAL STATUS: Unmarried
LOCAL ADDRESS: Main Street, South Coventry
ENLISTMENT: March 20, 1939, in New York City
SERVICE NUMBER: 270808
UNIT: Company B, 1st Battalion, 26th Marines, 5th Marine Division
MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY: 0737, Fire Team Leader; and 0812, Infantry Chief
FAMILY: Son of Thomas H. (1882-1921) and Nettie M. Young (1895-1969). Father, Thomas H. Young, died on July 8, 1921, when his son was 1 year and 10 months old after a 6-week illness. Nettie Young remarried Herman F. LeDoyt (1901-1995). Oldest of five children. Siblings are Walter E. (1922-2009), brother Herman LeDoyt Jr. (1923-2012), brother Ernest LeDoyt (1926-1985), sister Ann LeDoyt Olsen (1928-2021), and Alfred S. LeDoyt (1930-2007). 1
CIRCUMSTANCES: Boot camp at Parris Island, South Carolina, in early 1939. Paratrooper training at New River, North Carolina. In early 1944, he was assigned to the 5th Marine Division, 26th Marines, 1st Battalion through the Battle of Iwo Jima. 4 According to his casualty report, he died of “wounds, multiple, extreme.” 3 Awarded the Purple Heart Medal.
Photo contributed by Gail Kulesza
Photo of Sergeant Young’s Purple Heart Medal contributed by Gail Kulesza.
Citation to accompany the award of the Silver Star Medal
For action during World War II, U.S. Marine Corps, 5th Marine Division, General order number 34081, August 30, 1945. 2
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant Thomas A. Young (MCSN: 270808), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Acting Platoon Leader, serving with Company B, First Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, from 27 February to 6 March 1945. When his platoon leader became a casualty during a furious engagement with the enemy on 27 February, Sergeant Young promptly assumed command and, fearlessly leading his men in repeated aggressive attacks during the sustained advance of our forces, contributed materially to the success of his company in overcoming fierce hostile resistance. Driving forward against an objective vital to the defense of his sector the night of 1 March, he led his platoon through one hundred yards of shattering machine-gun fire and, launching a determined strike, gained his position with a minimum of casualties among his men. With his platoon pinned down during a fierce action on 6 March, he continued his same daring tactics and, penetrating hostile fire lanes alone to locate the source of the deadly barrage, directed supporting weapons in eliminating the stronghold before he was fatally struck down by a sudden shellburst. Sergeant Young’s forceful and inspiring leadership, bold initiative, and valiant devotion to duty in the face of tremendous odds were essential factors in the success of the bitterly fought Iwo campaign and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Honored on the Coventry World War II Memorial, 124 Lake Street, Coventry, Connecticut. Photos by Jeff DeWitt.
Initially buried in the 5th Marine Division Cemetery on Iwo Jima, Plot 5, Row 23, Grave 1446. At his mother’s request, his remains were repatriated in 1948 and buried in Nathan Hale Cemetery, 113 Lake Street, Coventry, Connecticut; plot number unknown. 3Photos by Jeff DeWitt.
1 – 1940 census https://www.ancestry.com/cs/1940-census
2 – https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/39459
3 – USMC Casualty Report received via FOIA request
4 – USMC Muster Rolls: https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/1089/