Nathan O. Thomas
1926 – December 22, 2024
He served stateside during World War II, and supported pilots, mechanics, and other ground personnel as an information and education specialist.
Mr. Thomas was drafted in 1945 and assigned to the Army Air Forces’ 99th Pursuit Squadron at the segregated Tuskegee Army Air Field in Alabama. He served stateside during World War II and supported pilots, mechanics, and other ground personnel as an information and education specialist, and is recognized as one of the now-famous Tuskegee Airmen.
When his military service was completed, he resumed his studies at Delaware State. Following his education ad DSU, Nathan was employed by the federal government. His first position was with the Department of Commerce in Washington, DC, later, he was employed by the United Stated Postal Service in Philadelphia. He retired from the United States Postal Service in 1981. Nathan then went on to accept a position with the Philadelphia School District. He retired again in 1987.
In the Philadelphia community, Nathan was a Democratic Executive Committee person for the 17th Ward, 10th Division. Community service is important to him. He helps rid community blight; assists homeowners (especially the elderly) with their questions on home improvements; promotes voter registration; and is past president of the Church Lane Citizens’ Society.
Mr. Thomas is a dedicated supporter of the Delaware State Alumni. On the local level, he has coordinated bus trips for area high school students to attend High School Day programs at Delaware State; he arranged for their attendance at sporting events; and has assisted potential students in preparing enrollment and financial aid documents.
Mr. Thomas was the recipient of numerous awards and honors, including: the U.S. Postal Service Outstanding Service Award (1981), the Omega Man of the Year Award, Mu Omega Chapter (1983), Certificate of Special Recognition for Service to Methodist Youth Fellowship (1993), and Certificate of Empowerment for his participation in the Million Man March (1995).
In 2006, Congress voted to award the Tuskegee Airmen the Congressional Gold Medal “in recognition of their unique military record, which inspired revolutionary reform in the Armed Forces.” Mr. Thomas received his actual medal in 2019 and in 2022 successfully lobbied for March 29 to be designated annually as Pennsylvania Day of Recognition for Tuskegee Airmen.
After that, still wanting to contribute, Mr. Thomas worked six years as a nonteaching aide for the Philadelphia School District at Warren G. Harding Middle School, Mary McLeod Bethune Elementary School, and elsewhere. He also served on the Democratic Party’s executive committee for the 10th division of the 17th Ward, and worked with former City Council member David Cohen and former State Rep. Stephen Kinsey.
Sources:
Greater Philadelphia Chapter, Tuskegee Airmen, Inc.
The Philadelphia Inquirer
