Project 888
Name: Thomas Hawkins BACKUS
Rank / Rating: LT(jg)-Lieutenant (junior grade)Service #: 317018 DOB: Jun 01, 1917 From: Quanah, Texas Parents: Went Aboard: Apr 21, 1943 Age When Ship Went Down: 28 years, 1 months, 29 days Spouse: Lou Evelyn Brindley Backus Children: Thomas Michael Backus Grandchildren: Bio Submitted By: Admin |
 BACKUS, Thomas H |
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Thomas Hawkins Backus was born on June 1, 1917 in Quanah, Hardeman County, Texas. Backus was a Lieutenant Junior Grade, the second commissioned officer rank in the United States Navy, having attended V12 special training at Harvard University.
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| LT(jg) Backus was one of Kingsville, Texas' most popular young men, prior to his service in the U.S. Navy. Backus graduated from Henrietta M. King High School in 1935, and attended Texas A&I College. During his four years at A&I, Backus was active in student affairs, serving as president of the sophomore class and holding offices in both the A&I Acappella Choir and Male Chorus. He was also a member of the Delta Sigma Chi fraternity. He received his BBA degree in 1939. Shortly after graduation, he married Lou Evelyn Brindley, also an A&I ex-student. A son, Thomas Michael Backus, was born in February, 1942. Mrs. Backus and their little son, Thomas Michael, moved to Harlingen to make it their home when Lt. Backus began his overseas service. Lt. and Mrs. Backus were members of the First Methodist Church in Harlingen, Texas. A four year business career after college won him a position as district manager at West Columbia for Houston Natural Gas Corporation. Lt. Backus resigned that position to accept a commission in the Navy in October, 1943. After receiving his commission, Lt. Backus was assigned to special training at Harvard University and then was assigned as junior supply officer on board USS Indianapolis. Letters to the family from one of the survivors stated that Lt. Backus was among those who survived the torpedo attack and that he was last seen in a small 20 group of the crew who evidently had decided to swim towards land. He was later reported among the dead by the Navy Department. LT(jg) Backus’ college career at A&I may be summed up in a tribute by one of his classmates: "The Gold Star at A&I that represents Tommie Backus honors the memory of one of A&I's best loved exes. In College he made it his business to know and to be-friend every student." Note by Admin: The date he first boarded is taken from the List of Officers, USS Indianapolis CA-35, for Feb. 1945, signed by J. H. Janney, Comdr., US Navy. Declassified NND803052. | |
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