USS LEXINGTON Former Crew Member

Name: Thompson, James Robert “Bob”

Service Dates: August 25, 1943 to April 19, 1946

Rank/Duty Assigned: Aviation Radioman 3rd Class

Comment: Bob and pilot Lawrence Haines were hit with anti-aircraft fire in their SB2C Helldiver over the Bungo Straits while conducting their 7th mission together in July of 1945.  Both were rescued after spending 18 hours in a life raft.  Bob is 85 years old and still hanging in there.