| Charles W. Thomas (Captain) | |
|---|---|
| Born | Charles ("Tommy") W. Thomas September 3, 1903 Pasadena, California, United States |
| Died | March 3, 1973 (aged 69) Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina |
| Occupation | U.S. Coast Guard officer |
| Spouse | Magnella Jensen (1903-1966) 1 child |
Charles Ward "Tommy" Thomas was a flag officer in the United States Coast Guard and commanding officer of the icebreakers USCGC Northland (WPG-49) and USCGC Eastwind (WAGB-279) that served in the Greenland Patrol during World War II. In August 1945 he was appointed Commander, Greenland Patrol. After the war he was commanding officer of USCGC Northwind (WAGB-282) during Operation Highjump; The United States Navy Antarctic Developments Project 1946–1947, also known as the Fourth Byrd Antarctic Expedition.[1] Later followed expeditions in the Bering Sea.
All these adventures Captain Thomas described in his book from 1951 "Ice Is Where You Find It" [2]
Admiral Thomas appeared in the United States Navy documentary film The Secret Land, produced in 1948. The film won an Academy Award in its category in 1948.
Later in his career he rose to the rank of Rear Admiral.[3]
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Charles Ward Thomas was born in Pasadena, California 3 September 1903; he was graduated from Fairhaven High School in Bellingham, Washington and attended Western College of Education in the same city. He served nearly two years in the Washington National Guard.[4]
During World War II he met a young Danish nurse, Miss Anna Magnella Jensen of Ivigtût, Greenland. The couple were married and had a daughter, Trina Anne Thomas, born in April 1952, and a son, Charles Ward Thomas, Jr, who served in the United States Army.[5]
He was admitted to the United States Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut and appointed as a cadet in July 1922. He was graduated from the United States Coast Guard Academy on 24 October 1924 and commissioned as Ensign, United States Coast Guard. He was promoted to Lieutenant (Junior Grade) on 24 October 1926, and to Lieutenant on 24 October 1928. On 24 October 1932 he was promoted to Lieutenant Commander, and to Commander on 17 July 1942. On 1 June 1943 he was promoted to Captain, and retired as Rear Admiral 1 November 1957 in Washington State.[6]
Admiral Thomas was killed by a speeding car as he was crossing a street while on holiday in Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina on 3 March 1973. Admiral Thomas was sixty-nine years old at the time of his death. News of Admiral Thomas' untimely death was announced to the fleet by ADM Chester R. Bender, Commandant of the Coast Guard shortly thereafter. The Commandant noted "with deepest sorrow" the loss of a "true friend and shipmate", an "outstanding icebreaker sailor", and a "benevolent skipper".
http://www.uscg.mil/history/people/Flags/ThomasCBio.pdf