07/20/2026
📣 “TO ALL EXPLOSIVE ORDNANCE DISPOSAL PERSONNEL WHEREVER YE MAY BE…”
We Present:
The Ordnance Order of Thomas J. Kane
Colonel Thomas J. Kane is widely regarded as the father of U.S. Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal. Prior to World War II, while ordnance was abundant, its design was simple. As such, untrained personnel handled its removal and destruction, or it was left in place. The Battle of Britain during World War II saw a dramatic increase in both the complexity of mu*****ns and presence of unexploded bombs within the civilian populace. Given the high casualty rates of the untrained volunteers that had to deal with the threat, the British Army and Navy recognized the need for specialized units to conduct bomb disposal activities, giving birth to the first bomb disposal school in Britain. Upon entry into World War II, the U.S. Army acknowledged the same need for specialized bomb disposal personnel, and Colonel Thomas J. Kane, holding the rank of Major at the time, was selected to attend the British bomb disposal school.
Upon his return, MAJ Kane contributed to the establishment of the first U.S. Army Bomb Disposal School at the Ordnance Training Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground in 1941, serving as its first Commandant. The designation as bomb disposal was later changed to explosive ordnance disposal to capture the full breadth of the mission.
The Ordnance Order of Thomas J. Kane award is a display of recognition to select personnel who have demonstrated the highest standards of integrity and moral character, displayed an outstanding professional competence, served the Explosive Ordnance Disposal career field with selflessness, and contributed to the promotion of Explosive Ordnance Disposal in ways that stand out to the recipient’s seniors, peers, and subordinates.
https://usaoca.org/award-nominations/the-ordnance-order-of-thomas-j-kane/
