USAF Press Release circa 1956: "Lt. Col. James M. Thomas was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and received his bachelor's degree at Duquesne University, Pittsburgh. He received his wings in 1943, flying combat tours in Africa and France during World War II.
"During the Korean conflict, Colonel Thomas flew combat in F-86 Sabre jets. A graduate of the Air Command and Staff School, Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, Colonel Thomas holds the Distinguished Flying Cross with two clusters and the Air Medal with six clusters."
Reserve Squadron Commander, 57th Troop Carrier, Pittsburgh, Pa., Airport: May 20, 1949 - Oct 15, 1950
Squadron Commander, 96th FIS, New Castle, Del., Airport: Jan 1953 - Aug 1954
Squadron Commander, 482nd FIS, Seymour Johnson AFB, NC: April 8, 1956 - 1959
Squadron Commander, 525th FIS, Bitburg AB, Germany: June 30, 1962 - Nov 15, 1962