Owens (OB) Thomas – U.S. Navy
Owens B. Thomas joined the U.S. Navy the day after his 18th birthday, shortly after graduating from Hapeville High School in Atlanta, Georgia. He went through boot camp and radio school in Bainbridge, Maryland.
After going through the rigors of LST (Landing, Ship, Tank) training he was assigned to the tank landing ship USS LST-1027 which was commissioned on 7 June 1944 in Quincy, Massachusetts under the command of LT. Paul H Shropshire Jr.
During World War II the USS LST 1027 was assigned to the Asiatic-Pacific Theater and participated in operations Leyte and Luzon and the consolidation and capture of the Southern Philippines. Owens Thomas US Navy Radio Operator 2nd Class received the American Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Philippines Unit Citation Medal, Philippines Liberation Medal, and the Navy Operation Service Medal.
His engraved memorial brick is part of the military veteran recognition program at the entrance to Homestead Miami Speedway in Homestead, FL. OB was also the catalyst behind the extension of the Veteran Visitor program that now also acts as a clearing house and distribution center for used walking and mobility assistance devices.
Before OB passed, he asked that his walkers, wheelchair, and electric scooter be passed on FROM a veteran, TO a veteran FREE of charge – with their understanding and agreement that they do the same when the item is no longer needed.
Thank you OB for your generosity and thoughtfulness. RIP assured that your wishes are honored, as you now are, by those who knew you.