Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1928-01-03
SLAIN MARINE WON
BRAVERY LAURELS
Sergt. Bruce of Capital Had
Brilliant Career During War
and in Nicaragua.

Killed in action. while fighting in
Nicaragua with the United States Ma.
rines yesterday. Sergt. Thomas G..
Bruce. 80 years old. United States Ma
rine Corps. IL Rhode Island avenue.
leaves an enviable record during the
past 10 years as a Marine. He has
been mentioned many times for distin-
guished bravery and has been awarded
the Navy War Cross by France, Bel
gium and Nicaragua and received the
Croix de Guerre.
Sergt Bruce was born In Hopkint0n.
y. Y. In 1915 he graduated from
Business High School. where he had
been a corporal in the winning High
School Cadet Company T.. in 1914.
Al the outbreak OF the World War he
enlisted as n private and served In
the Quartermaster Corps here for five
months. when he was transferred To
Paris Isla nd in the 43d Co. 5th Regi'
ment He left with his regiment for
Fra nee. February Z. 1918. and saw
service In FIVE battles. being gassed
and wounded
Fought In Famous Battles.
While in France he took part In
the baIlISs fSetIPdH w ROu.
Thierry, st. Mihel and scissors. Al
Saissons he held the machine gun
after the death OF his captain. for
which he was awarded the Croix de
Guerre After the signing of the
armistice he remained al cobienz un.
III August. 1919. ~
Returning to the United states In
1921. he married Miss Ava k1aiss OF
Philadelphia. Pa. Between the years
Of 1922 and 1924 he served 20 months
In Nicaragua. during which time he
was in charge OF small patrol sent
on special mission In Honduras.
Last February he was sent to
Nicaragua. where he has remained.
While serving IN Nicaragua he has
distinguished himself In the minor
uprisines and for the vaior shown
was made first lieutenant in the
Gua rdia Naeional and at the time OF
his death had been recommended for
the title OF captain In this corps.
Praised by Commander.
lie also was recommended for the
grade OF second lieutenant In The
United States Marine Corps by tis
commanding officer who says Of him
"He was invaluable as an inter.
used on several missions usually con.
sldered of sufficient importa nee Ia ne.
cessttate the detailing of an officer
also mas working knowledge OF ami.
mails. and ~ invaluable in juggling.
caring for and doe toring same IL also
weii quaiifed and frequently used in
this company as an instructor In all
infantry drills and weapons
Bruce II very able man Ills
diplomacy. efficiency and knowiedg.
Of the people and long experience In
handling natives during his present
tour OF duty In Nicaragua, and his
prior two years in this country. rem.
der him valuable man in ay ca.
pacity and we'll fitted for 'ndeDe ndent
duty"
Bruce's father. the late Eugene =
Bruce. was an expert umbermau In
the Department Of Agriculture. lie
was the only man To receive his title
and was recognized authority IN this
canacity
lie ~ survived by his widow. v ho
~ residing In Philadelphia: his mother
Mrs. Eugene y. Bruce: "A sister. Mrs
T.. Earl Wagner Of this city.
Roos Among Wounded.
serst Otto Nissen Roos. who was
reported wounded. was for several
yenrs just prior to his assignment To
Qusntico, first sergeant. of the Marine
Guard on the presidential yacht May.
flower here.
He was born In Copenhagen. Den.
mark. December \. 1893 and first en-.
listed In The Marine Corps February
rs, i5l4. NJ Norfolk He served III
Vera Cruz prior 10 the World War
and ddrinR the latter conflict was dit,
iniDhiie courier nt Paris, He was ap.
i"inted Marine gunner tempnrn,iiy.
on January ~, 1919. and on August
81 of the same year resumed his for.
hhsr status ~ first sergeant. lie WAS
~ the dominican Republic with the
Marine Expedittonary Force IN 1922.
Upon his return tn the States he was
assigned 10 the Mayfiower, later sent
10 Quantico. from whence he went 10
Nicaragua In February of last year.
His recorded neKi of kin In H. e.. Hah
"ock, friend. ~ 81 Gates street Of