lrvin "Tommy" Thomas

lrvin "Tommy" Thomas

I was born on October 14, 1925 in Hollister, California. My family came to California from Missouri in 1849, in a wagon train.

I joined the Navy in Santa Rosa, California, and left San Francisco on February 13, 1943. I went to Boot Camp at Farragut, Idaho, and school in San Diego at North Island.

I went onboard the Nassau in June or July 1943, when it was in San Diego, before going to Finschhaven, New Guinea. I was in the Deck Division until I struck for Yeoman. I started in the Captain's office and then went to the Air Department Office, of which I was placed in charge. I stayed in this position until I transferred to John Rogers Field in Hawaii, to Air Transport Squadron 5.

I was transferred to Seattle, Washington, and then to Bremerton, Washington for discharge. On April 5, 1946, I was discharged from the Navy. My rate was Y2C.

I returned to Santa Rosa where I married Grayce Leete on November 15, 1947. We had three children, a girl and two boys, one of which passed away in December 1992. We have 5 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

During my working years, I owned a funeral home and was a Funeral Director. I retired after 45 years in this business. I was and am a part time farmer.