Thomas Albert Hoff
Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army Air Forces

On 1 August 1943, Staff Sergeant Thomas Albert Hoff was serving as Tail Gunner on B-24 Liberator Bomber (SN 42-40753) nicknamed "Ole Kickapoo" in the 564th Bombardment Squadron, 389th Bombardment Group (Heavy), Ninth Air Force (Attached).

On that day, SSG Hoff’s unit was in action against German forces while participating in a bombing mission against the Ploesti Oil Refineries in Rumania. During a long and hazardous attack against a vital enemy oil installation made at low-altitude by a formation of B-24 type aircraft, SSG Hoff acquitted himself with great skill as his aircraft flew through one of the most heavily defended areas of Europe. The plane on which he served was severely damaged but, although gasoline was streaming from one of its damaged fuel tanks, it continued on in the face of almost insurmountable odds. Over the blazing target, SSG Hoff, heroically calm, remained at his guns. SSG Hoff’s courageous actions and extraordinary heroism that day earned him the U.S. Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross.

The 10-man crew on "Ole Kickapoo" was one of the most decorated in history. Pilot Lloyd Hughes received a posthumous award of the Medal of Honor. The other nine members of the crew were awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, and all ten men received the Purple Heart. Only two men survived: Staff Sergeant Hoff and Staff Sergeant Edmond Smith were subsequently captured and held as Prisoners of War.

SSG Hoff was captured by German Forces after his bomber was shot down on 1 August 1943 and was held as a Prisoner of War until his return to U.S. Military Control at the end of hostilities in May 1945.

Medals, Awards and Badges

Distinguished Service Cross
Purple Heart
Air Medal with Award Numeral 1
Prisoner of War Medal
Army Good Conduct Medal
American Campaign Medal
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 2 Bronze Stars
World War II Victory Medal
Aerial Gunner Badge

Distinguished Service Cross Citation

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Staff Sergeant Thomas A. Hoff, United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Tail Gunner on a B-24 Heavy Bomber in the 564th Bombardment Squadron, 389th Bombardment Group (H), NINTH Air Force (Attached), while participating in a bombing mission on 1 August 1943, against the Ploesti Oil Refineries in Rumania. During a long and hazardous attack against a vital enemy oil installation made at low-altitude by a formation of B-24 type aircraft, Staff Sergeant Hoff acquitted himself with great skill as his aircraft flew through one of the most heavily defended areas of Europe. When the plane on which he served was severely damaged, and, despite the fact that gasoline was streaming from one of its damaged fuel tanks, continued on, in the face of almost insurmountable odds. Over the blazing target, Staff Sergeant Hoff, with heroic calm and unflinching loyalty, remained steadfast by his guns. Staff Sergeant Hoff's unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 9th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces. The personal courage and zealous devotion to duty displayed by Staff Sergeant Hoff on this occasion, even when confronted with practically certain destruction, exemplified the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 9th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.

General Orders: Headquarters, Ninth U.S. Army Air Force, General Orders No. 89 (1943)

Death and Burial

Staff Sergeant Thomas Albert Hoff died on 11 August 2011 at Oconomowoc, WI. He is buried at Summit Cemetery in Summit Corners, Waukesha County, WI.

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