Thomas Franklin Vaughns facts for kids

Thomas Franklin Vaughns, born on July 7, 1920, is an American veteran. He was part of a famous group from World War II called the Tuskegee Airmen. These were brave African-American pilots and support staff. Mr. Vaughns received the National Defense Service Medal in 2019 for his service in the Korean War. He is also honored in the Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame.

Early Life and Education

Thomas Vaughns grew up on a 50-acre farm in Felton, Arkansas. This was a rural area in Lee County, Arkansas. He went to Marianna High School in Arkansas. After high school, he continued his education at Arkansas Agricultural, Mechanical & Normal College and the University of Arkansas.

On July 12, 2020, just five days after his 100th birthday, a special parade was held for Mr. Vaughns. His church, Barraque Street Missionary Baptist Church, organized the drive-by parade to celebrate him.

Military Service

Serving in World War II

The Tuskegee Airmen's aircraft had special markings that made them known as "Red Tails".

Thomas Vaughns was still in his last year of high school when he was called to serve in the military. In 1942, he reported for duty at Camp Robinson. He then went to basic training in Bakersfield, California.

Mr. Vaughns was trained to be a mechanic for B-25 bombers. These were large planes used during the war. After his training, he was sent to Tuskegee, Alabama, along with 18 other people. This is where the famous Tuskegee Airmen were trained.

Service in the Korean War

After World War II, Mr. Vaughns joined the Army Reserves. When the Korean War started, he was sent to Fort Hood. There, he continued to work as a mechanic. He was discharged from the Army in 1952 as a Sergeant First Class.

Life After the Wars

After World War II, Thomas Vaughns went back home to Pine Bluff, Arkansas. He worked in education, helping young people. He also helped monitor members of the 4-H Club, which teaches kids about agriculture and leadership.

He married Luvada and continued his education. In the 1950s, he started a program to help farmers sell their crops. This program began in Crittenden County, Arkansas and later expanded to Pine Bluff. His efforts created jobs for 1,400 people. He spent the rest of his career teaching people about farming techniques.

Awards and Honors

• Congressional Gold Medal awarded to the Tuskegee Airmen in 2006. This is one of the highest civilian awards in the United States.
• World War II Victory Medal
• American Campaign Medal
• National Defense Service Medal (received in 2019)
• Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame (inducted in 2020)

See Also

• Executive Order 9981
• Military history of African Americans
• The Tuskegee Airmen (movie)