Thomas Franklin Vaughns

Sergeant first class Thomas Franklin Vaughns (July 7, 1920) from Pine Bluff, Arkansas, is a member of the famed group of World War II-era African-Americans known as the Tuskegee Airmen. He is a recipient of the Congressional Gold Medal in 2007),[1] and of the National Defense Service Medal in 2019, for his service in the Korean War.[2][3] He is also a member of the Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame.[4]

Sergeant first class

Thomas Franklin Vaughns
Born (1920-07-12) July 12, 1920
Pine Bluff, Arkansas
Allegiance United States
Service/branchUnited States Army Air Force
Years of service1942-1952
RankSergeant first class
Awards
RelationsLuvada

Military service

World War II
The Tuskegee Airmen's aircraft had distinctive markings that led to the name, "Red Tails."[N 1]

Vaughns was drafted his senior year of high school. In 1942 reported for duty at Camp Robinson. He was sent to basic training in Bakersfield, California. Vaughns was trained to be a mechanic for B-25 bombers. He was then transferred to Tuskegee along with 18 others.[6]

Korean War

Vaughns signed up for the Army Reserves and when the Korean War began he was sent to Fort Hood where he served as a mechanic. In 1952 he was discharged as a Sergeant First Class.[6]

Early life

Vaughns family owned a 50-acre farm in Felton, in rural Lee County, Arkansas. He attended Marianna High School in Arkansas.[6] On July 12, 2020 on Vaughn's 100th birthday a drive-by parade honoring him took place. The parade was organized by the church he attends: Barraque Street Missionary Baptist Church[7]

Awards

Education

Personal life

After WWII Vaughns returned home to Pine Bluff, Arkansas. There he worked in education. He also worked monitoring 4-H Club members.[3] After WWI, he attended college and He married Luvada. He signed up for the Army Reserves and when the Korean War began he was sent to Fort Hood.[6] In the 1950s he set up a program for farmer to sell their produce in Crittenden County, Arkansas and later in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. His programs provided employment for 1400 people.[4] He spent the rest of his career occupied with agricultural teaching farming techniques.[6]

See also

Further reading
  • The Tuskegee Airmen: An Illustrated History, 1939-1949[8]

References
  1. Rangel, Charles B. (April 11, 2006). "Tuskegee Airmen Gold Medal Signed Into Law". Press Release. United States House of Representatives. Retrieved November 26, 2008.
  2. Ellis, Dale (August 22, 2019). "Arkansas veteran, 99, given new medal, praise for life lived". Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Inc. Retrieved August 8, 2020.
  3. Adams, Char (August 27, 2019). "'Hero' 99-Year-Old Tuskegee Airman Honored With Medals and His Own Day in Special Ceremony". Meredith Corporation. People Magazine. Retrieved August 8, 2020.
  4. Steed, Stephan (March 6, 2020). "Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame to welcome 6 new members". Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Inc. Retrieved August 8, 2020.
  5. Rice, Markus. "The Men and Their Airplanes: The Fighters." Tuskegee Airmen, 1 March 2000.
  6. Boozman, Senator John (September 23, 2019). "Boozman Recognizes Service of Tuskegee Airman". Boozman Senate. Retrieved August 8, 2020.
  7. "Thomas Vaughns to observe 100th birthday with drive-by parade". Gannett Co., Inc. Times Record. July 10, 202. Retrieved August 8, 2020.
  8. 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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