Francis B. Loomis Jr.

Francis Butler Loomis Jr. (June 21, 1903 – December 31, 1989) was a decorated officer of the United States Marine Corps, who reached the rank of major general. He is most noted as executive officer of the 1st Defense Battalion during the Shelling of Johnston and Palmyra and later as Logistic Officer of III Marine Amphibious Corps during Battle of Okinawa. He was the son of United States Assistant Secretary of State, Francis B. Loomis.

Early career

Francis B. Loomis Jr. was born on June 21, 1903, in Washington, D.C., the son of United States Assistant Secretary of State, Francis B. Loomis and his wife Elizabeth Mast Loomis. His family moved to Springfield, Ohio, and Loomis Jr. attended grade school there. He later lived in California and attended high school in San Mateo, before he was appointed to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, in 1920. However problems with pneumonia forced him to resign in 1922.

Following his recuperating, Loomis enrolled at Stanford University and graduated with Bachelor of Science degree in 1924. While at studies, Loomis entered the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps and was commissioned Ensign in the Navy Reserve in 1924. He subsequently entered the Marine Corps and was commissioned second lieutenant on July 21, 1926. As any other newly commissioned Marine officer, he was sent to the Basic School at Philadelphia Navy Yard for officer training course.