WASHINGTON –
The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced today that U.S. Navy Lt. j.g. grade Thomas A. Ruth, 26, killed during World War II, was accounted for April 8, 2025.
In June 1943, Ruth was a member of Fighting Squadron 21, Carrier Air Group 21. On June 30, he was reported missing in action following the crash of his F4F-4 Wildcat, in New Georgia, Solomon Islands. The Department of the Navy issued a presumptive finding of death on Jan. 5, 1946.
This is an initial release. The complete accounting of Ruth's case will be published once the family receives their full briefing.
For additional information on the Defense Department’s mission to account for Americans who went missing while serving their country, visit the DPAA website at www.dpaa.mil or on social media at www.facebook.com/dodpaa, https://www.linkedin.com/company/dodpaa, https://www.instagram.com/dodpaa/, or https://x.com/dodpaa.