Thomas N. Barnes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thomas N. Barnes
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Barnes c. 1973
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| Born | November 16, 1930 Chester, Pennsylvania, US |
| Died | March 17, 2003 (aged 72) Sherman, Texas, US |
| Service/ |
United States Air Force |
| Years of service | 1949–1977 |
| Rank | Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force |
| Unit | 8th Tactical Fighter Wing |
| Battles/wars | Korean War Vietnam War |
| Awards | Legion of Merit Meritorious Service Medal (3) Air Medal Air Force Commendation Medal |
Thomas Nelson Barnes (born November 16, 1930 – died March 17, 2003) was an important leader in the United States Air Force. He became the 4th Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force in October 1973 and served until July 1977. This was a huge achievement because he was the very first African American to hold this high-ranking position. He was also the first African American to be a Senior Enlisted Advisor in any part of the U.S. Armed Forces. Thomas Barnes played a big role in making sure that important issues for African Americans in the military were heard by top leaders.
Contents
Joining the Air Force
Thomas Barnes joined the United States Air Force in April 1949. He completed his basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas. After that, he went to special schools. He learned about aircraft engines and hydraulic systems.
Early Assignments and Korea
In October 1950, Barnes was sent to the 4th Troop Carrier Squadron. This unit was part of the 62nd Troop Carrier Group. They were based at McChord Air Force Base in Washington.
Just one month later, in November 1950, Barnes and his squadron moved to Ashiya, Japan. This move was to support the Korean War. He was only 20 years old at the time. Soon after arriving, he learned how to be a flight engineer. Because there weren't enough people, he worked as both a flight engineer and a hydraulic specialist. In September 1951, he moved to Tachikawa, Japan, and continued his flight engineer duties.
Moving Around the World
In June 1952, Barnes transferred to the 30th Air Transport Squadron. This unit was at Westover Air Force Base in Massachusetts. He went to a special school for the C-118 aircraft. He continued his work as a flight engineer on this plane.
In September 1952, he volunteered for a special assignment. He helped fly aircraft from different depots to Air Force groups. These flights took him to Hawaii, Japan, and other northern areas. After this temporary duty, he returned to Westover.
Service in Washington D.C. Area
Barnes moved to Andrews Air Force Base in December 1952. Here, he worked as a crew chief and flight engineer. He worked on several types of aircraft, including the B-25 and C-47. His job was to support the needs of various Air Force headquarters.
During this time, Barnes had a chance to become an officer. He was accepted, but he had to turn it down. Becoming an officer meant a pay cut during training. He needed his full pay to support his wife and children.
Vietnam War and Leadership Roles
In June 1958, Barnes transferred to Loring Air Force Base in Maine. He worked with the 42nd Bombardment Wing. Here, he was a crew chief for the B-52 bomber. He also became a flight chief and a senior controller.
In September 1965, he moved to Fairchild Air Force Base in Washington. He continued his duties as a senior controller. In October 1966, he trained on the F-4 aircraft. In December 1966, he went to Southeast Asia. There, he served with the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing. He held important roles like noncommissioned officer in charge of maintenance control.
Barnes returned from Southeast Asia in December 1967. He was sent to Laughlin Air Force Base in Texas. His jobs included T-38 section line chief and senior enlisted advisor. He advised the commander of the 3646th Pilot Training Wing.
On December 1, 1969, he was promoted to chief master sergeant. This is a very high rank for an enlisted person. In October 1971, he became the command senior enlisted adviser. This role was at the Headquarters Air Training Command.
Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force
On October 1, 1973, Thomas Barnes was appointed Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force. This was a historic moment. He was the first African American to hold this top enlisted position. His first term was for two years. The Chief of Staff extended his service for another year. Then, in February 1976, he was chosen for an unprecedented second extension. He retired from the Air Force on July 31, 1977.
During his career, he flew for nine years as a flight engineer. He served during the Korean War, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the Vietnam War.
Life After the Air Force
After retiring from the Air Force, Barnes started a new career. He worked at the First National Bank of Fort Worth for seven years. He was an Employee Relations Officer there.
Later, he joined the Associates Corporation of North America. He was promoted to Vice President and Director of Employee Relations. This was at the company's main office in Las Colinas.
After his second retirement, he moved to Fannin County, Texas. He raised Longhorn cattle. He even won the team penning event at the Kueckelhan Rodeo two years in a row.
Thomas Barnes passed away from cancer on March 17, 2003. He was undergoing treatment in Sherman, Texas at the time.
Awards and Honors
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US Air Force Enlisted Aircrew Badge |
| Personal decorations | |
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Legion of Merit |
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Meritorious Service Medal with two bronze oak leaf clusters |
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Air Medal |
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Air Force Commendation Medal |
| Unit awards | |
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Presidential Unit Citation |
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Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor device |
| Service awards | |
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Air Force Good Conduct Medal with silver and two bronze oak leaf clusters |
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Army Good Conduct Medal with four loop bronze clasp |
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Outstanding Airman of the Year Ribbon |
| Campaign and service medals | |
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Army of Occupation Medal |
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National Defense Service Medal with bronze service star |
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Korean Service Medal |
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Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze service stars |
| Service, training, and marksmanship awards | |
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Air Force Longevity Service Award with silver oak leaf cluster |
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NCO Professional Military Education Graduate Ribbon with bronze oak leaf cluster |
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Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon with bronze service star |
| Foreign awards | |
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United Nations Service Medal for Korea |
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Vietnam Campaign Medal |
