Otis McKenley Thompson was born on 15 October 1920 in Middlesboro, Kentucky. He was the son of Homer Eugene Thompson and Mary Little. He was married to Lolas L. Widener.
Died 27 May 1944
Pharmacist’s Mate Third Class
Served on the U.S.S. Ariel (AF22) which sailed to Oran, Algeria in January 1944. Otis Thompson was transferred to the Naval Hospital, Oran, Algeria on 22 January 1944.
The Three States, June 8, 1944
Mr. and Mrs. Homer Thompson of this city received the following wire from the Navy Department at Washington: “The Navy Department deeply regrets to inform you of the death of your son, Otis Mckenlee Thompson, pharmacist mate 3rd class, USNR as a result of injuries multiple extreme on the 27th day of May, 1944, while in the performance of his duty and in the service of his country. His remains were interred in Allied territory outside the continual limits of the United Stated, peding cessation of hostilities. If further details are received they will be forwarded to you promptly. To prevent possible aid to our enemies please do not divulge the name of his ship or station. The Navy Department extends to you its sincerest sympathy in your great loss.”
Signen, Vice Admiral Randall Jacobs, chief naval personnel.
His wife is the former Lola Widener of this city.
The Daily News, June 9, 1948
Funeral services for Otis McKenley Thompson, Phm. 3-c, 23, who was killed in action in Oran, Algeria, May 27, 1944, will be held at the Methodist Church, Shawanee, Tenn. Burial will be in the Scott cemetery, Shawanee. Funeral military honors will be conferred at the grave by the Dewey Guy Post of the American Legion under the direction of Capt. R.L. Maddox.
Mr. Thompson was born in Shawanee, Tenn., Oct. 15, 1920 and enlisted in the Navy on Aug. 5, 1942. He is the son of Homer and Mary Thompson of Middlesboro. Besides his parents, he is survived by two brothers, Gene Thompson of this city and Roy of Dayton, O., two sisters, Mrs. Grace Ingram of Harlan, Ky., and Mrs. Cora Lee Johnson of Middlesboro; and grandmother, Mrs. Emily Thompson, Shawanee.
- Rank: Pharmacists Mate Third Class
- Date of birth: 15 October 1920
- Date of death: 27 May 1944
- County: Claiborne
- Hometown: Middlesboro, Ky
- Service Branch: Navy
- Division/Assignment: USS Ariel (AF-22)
- Theater: North Africa
- Conflict: World War II
- Awards: Purple Heart
- Burial/Memorial Location: Scott Cemetery, Harrogate, Claiborne County, TN
- Location In Memorial: Pillar VIII, Middle Panel
- Contact us to sponsor Otis M. Thompson
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