Thomas Franklin Vaughns facts for kids

Sergeant First Class Thomas Franklin Vaughns was born on July 7, 1920. He is an American veteran and a member of the famous Tuskegee Airmen. This group was made up of African-American pilots and support staff during World War II. Thomas Vaughns also received the National Defense Service Medal in 2019 for his service in the Korean War. He is also a member of the Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame.

His Time in the Military

Serving in World War II

The Tuskegee Airmen's aircraft had special markings. These led to their nickname, "Red Tails".

Thomas Vaughns was called to serve in the military during his last year of high school. In 1942, he reported for duty at Camp Robinson. He then went to basic training in Bakersfield, California. Thomas Vaughns was trained to be a mechanic for B-25 bomber planes. After his training, he was sent to Tuskegee with 18 other people. This is where the Tuskegee Airmen were based.

Serving in the Korean War

After World War II, Thomas 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 left the military in 1952 as a Sergeant First Class.

Growing Up and Early Life

Thomas Vaughns' family owned a 50-acre farm in Felton, Arkansas. This was in a rural area of Lee County, Arkansas. He went to Marianna High School in Arkansas. On July 12, 2020, a special parade was held for his 100th birthday. The parade was organized by his church, Barraque Street Missionary Baptist Church.

Special Awards and Honors

Thomas Vaughns has received several important awards:

• Congressional Gold Medal (awarded to the Tuskegee Airmen in 2006)
• World War II Victory Medal
• American Campaign Medal
• National Defense Service Medal (received in 2019)
• Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame (inducted in 2020)

Learning and Education

Thomas Vaughns attended several schools:

• Marianna High School
• Arkansas Agricultural, Mechanical & Normal College
• University of Arkansas

Life After the Military

After World War II, Thomas Vaughns went back home to Pine Bluff, Arkansas. He worked in education for a while. He also helped to guide members of the 4-H Club. After the war, he went to college and married Luvada.

In the 1950s, he created a program for farmers. This program helped them sell their crops in Crittenden County, Arkansas. Later, he brought the program to Pine Bluff, Arkansas. His programs helped create jobs for 1,400 people. He spent the rest of his career teaching people about farming. He shared new farming techniques with many.

See Also

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