Gerald Eustis Thomas | |
---|---|
Born | Natick, Massachusetts, U.S. | June 23, 1929
Died | March 20, 2019 New Haven, Connecticut, U.S. | (aged 89)
Allegiance | United States |
Service/ | United States Navy |
Years of service | 1951–1981 |
Rank | Rear Admiral |
Commands held | USS Impervious (MSO-449) USS Bausell (DD-845) Commander Cruiser Destroyer Group Nine Commander Cruiser Destroyer Group Five |
Battles/wars | Vietnam War |
Awards | Navy Commendation Medal with Combat V Meritorious Service Medal |
Gerald Eustis Thomas (June 23, 1929 – March 20, 2019), was an American naval officer, diplomat and academic. He was the second African American to achieve the rank of Rear Admiral in the U.S. Navy.
Thomas was born in Natick, Massachusetts, the son of Walter W. and Leila L. (née Jacobs) Thomas.[1] He was educated at Natick High School, going on to spend a year studying at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln before transferring to Harvard University. He graduated from Harvard in 1951 with a Bachelor of Arts in biochemical sciences.[2]
Ronald Reagan appointed Thomas Ambassador United States Ambassador to Guyana on December 11, 1981.[4] Thomas left Guyana on September 6, 1983, and was appointed Ambassador to Kenya a month later. He served in this capacity until leaving the diplomatic service on September 29, 1989.[4]
Thomas continued to study throughout his naval career, gaining a Master of Science degree from George Washington University in 1966, and a Ph.D. in diplomatic history from Yale University in 1973. On returning from Kenya, he joined the faculty at Yale, teaching in the African American Studies program and the history department.[1] Thomas's relationship with his students was an important factor in his selection as Master of Davenport College in 1991.[5] Thomas served in this capacity for 10 years before retiring in July 2001.[6]
Thomas is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity.[7]
He is married to Rhoda (née Henderson), and the couple have two sons and a daughter.[2] He died on March 20, 2019, in New Haven, Connecticut at the age of 89.[8]