Arthur Thomas was an enlisted member of the Minnesota National Guard from 1953 through 1955. Enlisting in the Air Force in 1955, he served as a Russian language specialist at Wakkanai Air Station, Japan, until 1958. After attending St. Procopius Seminary in Lisle, Illinois, he was ordained in 1965 as a Roman Catholic priest for the diocese of New Ulm, Minnesota, where he served as a parish priest. In November 1968 he was commissioned as a U.S. Air Force Chaplain. From 1995 to 1997 he served as the 12th U.S. Air Force Chief of Chaplains and retired in 1997 as an Air Force Major General.
Sponsored by:
Arthur
Sam
Thomas
1935
–
January 19, 2001
Born:
Mankato
,
Minnesota
Home:
Mankato
,
Minnesota
Awards Received
-
Legion of Merit
-
Legion of Merit
-
Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
-
Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major General Arthur Sam Thomas, United States Air Force, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Thomas and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
-
Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major General Arthur Sam Thomas, United States Air Force, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Thomas and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
-
Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Major GeneralAction Date:
August 1, 1995 – August 1, 1997
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major General Arthur Sam Thomas, United States Air Force, was awarded the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as United States Air Force Chief of Chaplains from 1 August 1995 to 1 August 1997. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Thomas culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and his dedicated contributions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.