World War II Honoree

Thomas Ross Cooley

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Grass Valley, California

Honored By

Pearl Thomas

Served as Rear Admiral. He was commanding officer of battleship USS Washington during Mariana Islands campaign and Commander, Battleship Division Six during battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. Participated in the Battle of Leyte. Received the Legion of Merit with Combat "V", Navy Commendation Medal with Combat "V" and one 5/16" Gold Star, American Defense Service Medal with "A" Device, Philippine Liberation Medal with two stars, Navy Occupation Service Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with one silver star and two bronze 3/16" service stars, WWII Victory Medal and European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal.