VFW Post 10789 Brentwood

Airman Accounted For From World War II (Kelly, T.)

WASHINGTON –
The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that U.S. Army Air Forces 2nd Lt. Thomas V. Kelly Jr., 21, of Livermore, California, killed during World War II, was accounted for on Sept. 25, 2024.
Kelly’s family recently received their full briefing on his identification, therefore, additional details on his identification can be shared.

In March 1944, Kelly was assigned to the 320th Bombardment Squadron, 90th Bombardment Group, 5th Air Force, and deployed in present day Papua New Guinea. On the morning of March 11, Kelly, the bombardier onboard a B-24D “Liberator” Heaven Can Wait departed Nadzab Strip #1, Papua New Guinea, as part of a bombing mission against enemy positions at Boram Airfield, and Awar Point, Hansa Bay, located along the northern coast of New Guinea. Observers from other aircraft in the formation reported seeing flames erupting from the bomb bay, spreading to the tail quickly. Heaven Can Wait was seen pitching up violently before banking left and crashing down into the water. It is believed anti-aircraft fire hit the plane, causing un-dropped ordnance to explode. Several aircraft circled the crash site in hopes of locating any possible survivors, but none could be seen.

It’s !

Army Master Sergeant Ernest Richard Kouma, a tank commander in Company A, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. His unit was engaged in supporting infantry elements on the Naktong River front. Near midnight on 31 August, a hostile force estimated at 500 crossed the river and launched a fierce attack against the infantry positions, inflicting heavy casualties. A withdrawal was ordered and his armored unit was given the mission of covering the movement until a secondary position could be established. The enemy assault overran two tanks, destroyed one, and forced another to withdraw. Suddenly M/Sgt. Kouma discovered that his tank was the only obstacle in the path of the hostile onslaught. Holding his ground, he gave fire orders to his crew and remained in position throughout the night, fighting off repeated enemy attacks. During one fierce assault, the enemy surrounded his tank and he leaped from the armored turret, exposing himself to a hail of hostile fire, manned the .50 caliber machine gun mounted on the rear deck, and delivered point-blank fire into the fanatical foe. His machine gun emptied, he fired his pistol and threw grenades to keep the enemy from his tank. After more than nine hours of constant combat and close-in fighting, he withdrew his vehicle to friendly lines. During the withdrawal through eight miles of hostile territory, M/Sgt. Kouma continued to inflict casualties upon the enemy and exhausted his ammunition in destroying three hostile machine-gun positions. During this action, M/Sgt. Kouma killed an estimated 250 enemy soldiers. His magnificent stand allowed the infantry sufficient time to reestablish defensive positions. Rejoining his company, although suffering intensely from his wounds, he attempted to resupply his tank and return to the battle area. While being evacuated for medical treatment, his courage was again displayed when he requested to return to the front. M/Sgt. Kouma's superb leadership, heroism, and intense devotion to duty reflect the highest credit on himself and uphold the esteemed traditions of the U.S. Army.

Fort Knox became Kouma’s final active-duty station, where he retired and quietly remained in the area until his death in 1993, and rests at the Main Post Cemetery.

To learn more about our Nation’s Medal of Honor Recipients, visit Congressional Medal of Honor Society

https://www.cmohs.org/recipients/ernest-r-kouma

Hope to see you there!! Join the city as we kick off the holiday season.

🎄✨ Get Ready to "Let It Glow" Brentwood! ✨🎄

Join us for the 42nd Annual Holiday Parade hosted by the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce, with the City of Brentwood Tree Lighting immediately following! 🎅🎄🤩

📅 Date: Saturday, November 30th
🕔 Time: Starting at 5:00 PM
📍 Location: Downtown Brentwood

🌟 This year’s theme is “Let It Glow!” We can't wait to see the streets of Brentwood light up with holiday spirit! ✨🎉

🎥 Can’t make it in person? No worries! Tune in to our Live Stream on Facebook & YouTube and enjoy the festivities from home.

🅿️ Special up-close handicap parking available on Oak Street off Diablo Way for easy access.
🌧️ Rain or Shine—the show will go on!

🚛 Interested in having a float in the parade? We’re still accepting entries until November 23rd at 5:00 PM. For questions or more details, contact the Chamber Office at (925) 634-3344.

Bring the kids, pack your blankets, and enjoy a magical evening full of holiday cheer, followed by the beautiful tree lighting ceremony. 🎁🎶

A huge THANK YOU to our amazing sponsors who make this event possible! We couldn’t do it without your support. 🙏❤️

Please come and help! This program works best when we ALL join in and help. Let's send the troops some love this holiday season. December 10th!

Please join us to honor the veterans laid to rest in Union Cemetery. The wreath placement will take place December 14th. Scan the QR code for more information.

https://www.navy.mil/Press-Office/Press-Releases/display-pressreleases/Article/3841792/the-secretary-of-the-navy-exonerates-256-defendants-from-1944-port-chicago-gene/

The Secretary of the Navy Exonerates 256 Defendants from 1944 Port Chicago General and Sum WASHINGTON – The Secretary of the Navy announced on July 17 the full exoneration of the remaining 256 defendants of the 1944 Port Chicago general and summary courts-martial.

DB Cars and Coffee tomorrow !!!!!
And every 3rd Saturday of the month at the Marina Bar and Grill parking lot, 5879 Marina Rd in Discovery Bay. Bring your cherished ride for a morning of great camaraderie with many of your other fun car enthusiasts from 8:00-10:00 AM. We will also have burritos and please stay after and have a great breakfast at the Marina Bar and Grill.
See you all tomorrow morning with a clear sky and a high of 87 degrees!! Bring a raffle prize as we have over $850 in prizes and we can tout your business at the same time. Share with all your friends !!

Contra Costa Fire to Honor Firefighters Who Made Ultimate Sacrifice Contra Costa Fire will gather to pay tribute to Captain Matt Burton and Engineer Scott Desmond, fallen firefighters on this date in 2007.

https://www.kcra.com/article/procession-route-funeral-vacaville-officer-bowen/61630204

Public invited to line procession route for funeral of Vacaville officer Matthew Bowen Nearly a week after a Vacaville police officer was killed in the line of duty, officials have announced details of his funeral service.