Major Charles Leroy Thomas, A Soldier's Story
Major Charles Leroy Thomas, A Soldier's Story
Major Charles Leroy Thomas was born on April 17, 1920, in Birmingham, Alabama. Raised during an era of both economic hardship and racial segregation, he demonstrated an early talent for mechanics and electronics and developed a particular fascination with aircraft and machinery.
After moving north, he attended Wayne State University and worked as a molder for the Ford Motor Company in Detroit, part of the generation that would power both American industry and, eventually, the American war effort.
In January 1942, in response to the United States’ entry into World War II, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. He successfully completed Officer Candidate School and was commissioned as a lieutenant. He was assigned to the 614th Tank Destroyer Battalion, an African American unit serving in a segregated Army.
On December 14, 1944, during combat operations near Climbach, France, Lieutenant Thomas was ordered to lead an assault against strongly fortified German positions. As his unit advanced, they came under intense enemy fire.
Despite being wounded by enemy machine-gun fire, he refused evacuation. He continued to direct the placement of anti-tank guns under heavy resistance. Wounded a second time, he remained at the front, maintaining return fire and coordinating his unit’s maneuver until the mission objectives were secured. Only after the position was stabilized did he allow himself to be evacuated.
His leadership under fire was decisive. The action helped secure the town and contributed directly to the unit’s success.
For his extraordinary heroism, he was recommended for the Congressional Medal of Honor. However, like many African American soldiers of World War II, his recognition was delayed. It was not until January 13, 1997, more than fifty years later, that Major Charles Leroy Thomas was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor as part of a long-overdue review of wartime citations.
He remained in the U.S. Army as a career soldier and retired in Detroit, Michigan. Major Charles Leroy Thomas died on February 15, 1980.
He rests in Arlington National Cemetery.
His story is one of courage in battle and of a recognition that finally came, though far too late.
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About the Author
a.d. elliott is a wanderer, photographer, and storyteller traveling through life
She shares her journeys at Take the Back Roads, explores new reads at Rite of Fancy, and highlights U.S. military biographies at Everyday Patriot.
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