Thomas Ellis (Tuskegee Airman) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sergeant Major
Thomas Ellis
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Thomas Ellis 1944
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| Birth name | Thomas Marvin Ellis |
| Born | June 29, 1920 |
| Died | January 2, 2018 (aged 97) San Antonio, Texas |
| Buried |
Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery
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| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
United States Army Air Force |
| Years of service | 1942-1945 |
| Rank | Sergeant Major |
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| Awards |
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| 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.
Contents
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
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
- Executive Order 9981
- List of Tuskegee Airmen
- Military history of African Americans
