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Thomas Ellis (Tuskegee Airman) facts for kids

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Sergeant Major

Thomas Ellis
Thomas Ellis (Tuskegee Airman).jpg
Thomas Ellis 1944
Birth name Thomas Marvin Ellis
Born (1920-06-29)June 29, 1920
Died January 2, 2018(2018-01-02) (aged 97)
San Antonio, Texas
Buried
Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery
Allegiance United States of America
Service/branch United States Army Air Force
Years of service 1942-1945
Rank Sergeant Major
Unit
  • 301st Fighter Squadron
  • 332nd Fighter Group
Awards
Spouse(s) Janie

Thomas Ellis (June 29, 1920 – January 2, 2018) was a brave American soldier. He was born in San Antonio, Texas. Thomas Ellis was part of a very special group called the Tuskegee Airmen. These were African-American pilots and support staff. They served during World War II. He was a Sergeant Major and worked with the 301st Fighter Squadron and the 332nd Fighter Group.

Early Life and Education

Thomas Ellis grew up in San Antonio, Texas. He went to Wheatley High School and then to Samuel Huston College in Austin. In early 1942, he married his wife, Janie.

Serving His Country: Military Service

Tuskegee P-51
The Tuskegee Airmen's planes were called "Red Tails" because of their special markings.
P-51Cs 332nd FG with goats Ramitelli 1945
P-51C Mustang planes from the 332nd Fighter Group at Ramitelli Airfield in March 1945.

Thomas Ellis joined the Army in June 1942. He went for basic training in Newport News, Virginia. In October 1942, he was sent to Tuskegee Army Airfield. He was assigned to the 99th Fighter Squadron.

When he first arrived, he was the only member of the 301st Fighter Squadron. In 1944, he went to Ramitelli Air Base in Italy. He served there with the Tuskegee Airmen's 301st Fighter Squadron.

Ellis was an administrator, helping to manage things behind the scenes. He worked under Colonel Benjamin O. Davis Jr. when the 332nd Fighter Group moved to Taranto, Italy. He became a Sergeant Major. He earned seven battle stars for his service. He left the military in September 1945.

Life After the War

After returning home from the war, Thomas Ellis started a new job. He worked as a mail carrier for the USPS. He delivered mail until he retired in 1984. Thomas Ellis passed away on January 2, 2018, after a stroke. He was buried at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.

Awards and Recognition

Thomas Ellis received several important awards for his service:

  • The Congressional Gold Medal was given to all the Tuskegee Airmen in 2006. This is one of the highest civilian awards in the United States.
  • He also earned seven Battle Stars. These stars show that he took part in important military campaigns.

See also

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