Hall of Honor inducts two
Published 5:47 pm Monday, September 5, 2011
The Alabama Military Hall of Honor will induct two more military heroes into its halls in October.
Located on the Marion Military Institute campus, the Alabama Military Hall of Honor was first established in 1975 by an executive order from Gov. George C. Wallace to honor Alabama’s military heroes.
The two newest inductees are Gunners Mate First Class Osmond K. Ingram, United States Navy, who was born in Pratt City and Cpt. Eugene M. Thomas Jr., United States Army Air Corps, who was born in Prattville.
“These two individuals exemplify the true meaning of Hero,” said Col. John Gibler, U.S. Army (Ret.), director of the Alabama Military Hall of Honor. “We are always excited to be able to honor heroes from Alabama each year through the Alabama Military Hall of Honor.”
The two men will officially be inducted into the Hall of Honor in a ceremony on the MMI campus Oct. 28 at 10:30 a.m.
Ingram was born on Aug. 4, 1887. He enlisted in the Navy on Nov. 24, 1903 and served until discharged on Aug. 3, 1908. He re-enlisted on Aug. 6, 1913.
Ingram was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for sacrificing his life while onboard the USS Cassin in an attempt to save his shipmates during an attack on Oct. 15, 1917.
Thomas was born on July 11, 1918. He enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps in July 1941. He earned his pilot’s wings and was commissioned a 2nd Lt. on April 12, 1942.
Thomas flew 12 combat missions in a B24 bomber before he and his crew were reported missing in action over Tokyo Bay during a night bombing mission on May 24, 1945.
Only one crewman survived; Thomas and the others were never found. Thomas was awarded the 1/OLC to the Purple Heart and the Air Medal, and posthumously promoted to captain.