USS Leland E. Thomas (DE-420) was a John C. Butler-class destroyer escort acquired by the U.S. Navy during World War II. The primary purpose of the destroyer escort was to escort and protect ships in convoy, in addition to other tasks as assigned, such as patrol or radar picket. Post-war, after her service in the Pacific Ocean war zone, her crew members returned home proudly with one battle star to their credit. Leland E. Thomas (DE-420) was named in honor of Leland Evan Thomas who contributed to the sinking of a Japanese cruiser and a destroyer and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.