The people of Coldwater and surrounding community were deeply grieved to learn Tuesday afternoon of this week that First Lieutenant Hobert H. Thompson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Harvey W. Thompson of Coldwater, was reported by the War Department as missing in action. The following telegram was received by the parents on Tuesday:"Washington, D. C., August 32 [sic] I regret to inform you a report received states your son, First Lieutenant Hobert H. Thompson, missing in action near Port Moresby, New Guinea, since eighth of August. If further details or other information of his status are received, you will be promptly notified. Ulio, the Adjutant General."
Lieut. Thompson was born at Harris, Sullivan County, Missouri, February 2, 1919, and at the time he was reported missing in action was 24 years, six months and six days of age. He came with his parents and one brother, Floyd, to Comanche county in March, 1926, the Thompsons making their home on the former P. A. Johnston ranch three miles west of Coldwater. Hobert attended the Coldwater schools, graduating from Coldwater high school with the class of 1932. He attended the Kansas State Agriculture College in Manhattan two years, then decided to invest in registered cattle, it being his life's desire to be a cattleman on the ranch where he lived. But the coming of war changed his plans.
On June 2, 1941, Hobert returned to Manhattan for a special course in drafting and engineering and after completing the course he was employed as a draftsman at the Lockheed airplane factory in Los Angeles, Calif., for several months.
On December 30, 1941, shortly after the cowardly Pearl Harbor attack, Hobert enlisted in the army air corps and was sent to Bakersfield, Calif., and later to Tulare and Merced, Calif., for training as a pilot.From there he went to Luke Field, Phoenix, Ariz., for an advanced course in pilot training. There he was selected as one of the five army pilots in the top flight . On July 26, 1942, he received his army pilot's "wings" and the commission of Second Lieutenant in the Air Corps.Without any leave to go home, he was given further intensive training and on August 23 was sent to the Hawaiian Islands for more training. After four and one half months of combat training, Lieut. Thompson left by Clipper plane for Australia. He was also in the Fiji Islands and took part in many engagements in the South Pacific and for some time had been stationed at New Guinea.
Lieut. Thompson was one of the American fliers who sank all 22 of the Jap invasion fleet in the Battle of the Bismarck Sea, the most stinging defeat the Japanese had yet suffered. Not an enemy ship, including thousands of Japanese soldiers, escaped. Hobert wrote home, "Don't forget to remind me to tell you about March 3d and 4th when I get home."
As the co-pilot of a B-24 Liberator bomber, Lieut. Thompson and the other crew members were commended last month by Brigadier General Roger Ramey, commander of the New Guinea bombardment forces for a perfect run on a Salamaua anti-aircraft position, the feat winning the fliers recognition as the "crew of the week." Hobert accompanied the crew on their first mission, he wrote to show them the country and the "hot spots."
On August 5, Lieut. Thompson wrote his parents that he had been on a short leave and had a good time. He thought that he would get to come back to the States, but things then didn't look like they were favorable.
Hobert was one of Coldwater's finest and most promising young men. As a 4-H member he took great pride in showing his fine baby beef calves. He was popular among all who knew him and was a young man of sterling habits. His continued record of achievement as a gallant soldier was an inspiration to all. His many friends are hoping that word of his rescue will be received soon. (SB)
