Thomas Ellis (Tuskegee Airman)

Sgt. Major Thomas Ellis (June 29, 1920 - January 2, 2018) from San Antonio, Texas, is a member of the famed group of World War II-era African-Americans known as the Tuskegee Airmen. He was a recipient of the Congressional Gold Medal in 2007.[3] Thomas Ellis served in the 301st Fighter Squadron, and the 332nd Fighter Group During WWII.[4]

Sergeant Major

Thomas Ellis
Thomas Ellis 1944
Birth nameThomas Marvin Ellis
Born(1920-06-29)June 29, 1920
DiedJanuary 2, 2018(2018-01-02) (aged 97)
San Antonio, Texas
Buried
Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery[1]
Allegiance United States
Service/branchUnited States Army Air Force
Years of service1942-1945
RankSergeant Major[2]
Unit
Awards
Spouse(s)Janie

Military service

World War II
The Tuskegee Airmen's aircraft had distinctive markings that led to the name, "Red Tails."[N 1]
P-51C Mustang fighters from the 332nd Fighter Group at Ramitelli Airfield, with goats (March 1945)

He was drafted into the Army in June 1942 [1] and was sent to basic training in Newport News, VA and in October of 1942 he was assigned to Tuskegee with the 99th Fighter Squadron.[4] When Ellis arrived at Tuskegee Army Airfield in 1942 he was the only member 301st Fighter Squadron.[1] In 1944 he was sent to Ramitelli Air Base in Italy with the Tuskegee Airmen 301st Fighter Squadron. He was an administrator and served under Col. Benjamin O. Davis Jr. with the 332nd Fighter Group’s transfer to Taranto Italy.[4] He achieved the rank of Sergeant Major, and earned seven battle stars.[1][2] He was discharged in September, 1945.[4]

Awards
  • Congressional Gold Medal (2007)[3]
  • Battle Stars (7)

Education
  • Wheatley High School[1]
  • Huston-Tillotson University[1]

Personal life

Ellis grew up in San Antonio, Texas and graduated from Wheatley High School He attended Samuel Huston College in Austin. He was drafted into the Army in 1942.[1] He married his wife Janie just 6 months before he was drafted in 1942. When he returned from the war he worked as a USPS mail carrier until his retirement in 1984.[4] He died of a stroke January 2, 2018 and was buried at Fort Sam Houston with Full military honors.[2]

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See also

Further reading
  • The Tuskegee Airmen: An Illustrated History, 1939-1949[6]

References
  1. Christensen, Sig (January 9, 2018). "Thomas Ellis, a Tuskegee Airman, is dead at 97". Hearst Communications, Inc. My San Antonio News. Retrieved August 9, 2020.
  2. Fannin, John (January 10, 2018). "Remembering Tuskegee Airman Thomas Ellis". Military Times. Retrieved August 9, 2020.
  3. Rangel, Charles B. (April 11, 2006). "Tuskegee Airmen Gold Medal Signed Into Law". Press Release. United States House of Representatives. Retrieved November 26, 2008.
  4. "Thomas Marvin Ellis". CAF Rise Above. CAF Rise Above. Retrieved August 9, 2020.
  5. Rice, Markus. "The Men and Their Airplanes: The Fighters." Tuskegee Airmen, 1 March 2000.
  6. Caver, Joseph; Ennels, Jerome A.; Haulman, Daniel Lee (2011). The Tuskegee Airmen: An Illustrated History, 1939-1949. Montgomery: New South Books. p. 394. ISBN 978-1588382443. Retrieved February 6, 2020.

Notes
  1. The red markings that distinguished the Tuskegee Airmen included red bands on the noses of P-51s as well as a red rudder; their P-51B and D Mustangs flew with similar color schemes, with red propeller spinners, yellow wing bands and all-red tail surfaces.[5]
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