World War II Honoree

Thomas J. Grima

Branch of Service

U.S. Army Air Force

Hometown

New Orleans, Louisiana

Honored By

Thomas Grima

Relationship

Self

SERVED IN THE EUROPEAN THEATER AS A TOP TURRET GUNNER AND ENGINEER ON A B-24 BOMBER. SHOT DOWN IN EUROPE IN 1943. RECEIVED THE AIR MEDAL WITH 4 OAK LEAF CLUSTERS AND PURPLE HEART. ESCAPED THROUGH FRANCE WITH THE HELP OF FRENCH FREEDOM FIGHTERS AND THROUGH SPAIN AND THEN TO ENGLAND; IT TOOK 6 MONTHS. ENTERED SERVICE ON 11/8/40 AND DISCHARGED ON 8/29/45.