Thomas M. McNamara was born on July 1, 1924, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. A 1942 graduate of Catholic Central High School, he was a member of the school's tennis team. After graduation, he worked at the East End Creamery until he was drafted into the armed forces.

 

Thomas enlisted in the U.S. Army on November 30, 1942, with service number 16088447. He completed his military training at the Fort Custer Training Center in Michigan on December 10, 1942. From December 13, 1942, to May 17, 1943, he was listed at the Technical School and Basing Training Center in Keesler Field, Mississippi. He was then assigned to the 593rd Technical School Squadron and later to the 305th Technical School Squadron. From May 19, 1943, to July 1, 1943, he was at the Flexible Gunnery School at Laredo Air Force Base in Texas. He was subsequently sent to AAB, SLC, Utah, until July 27, 1943. From July 28, 1943, to August 21, 1943, he was at Gowen Field, Idaho. Beginning August 22, 1943, he was at Wendover Air Force Base, Utah. On November 5, 1943, he was at Herington Air Force Base, Kansas.

 

Thomas M. McNamara died on December 31, 1943 in Queyrac, in the crash of the B-24H bomber.