| 1- The position of Chief Master Sergeants of the
Air Force occupies the top
enlisted grade, and has great responsibility and prestige in the Air Force. The
objective of this background paper is to inform on the career progression,
awards, and decorations of the former Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force
Thomas N. Barnes. In the first main point, I will trace the former CMSAF
military career from Non-Commissioned Officer to Senior Non-Commissioned Officer
Tier. Secondly, I will discuss the major awards and decorations of former CMSAF
Thomas N. Barnes. CMSAF Thomas N. Barnes has been a significant figure in the
development of Air Force History.
2- In April 1949 Chief Barnes entered the
U.S. Air Force, and received his basic training at Lackland Air Force Base,
Texas. After completing basic training, he attended Aircraft and Engine School
and Hydraulic Specialist School at Chanute Technical Training Center, Illinois.
During this time period the Soviet had controlled East Germany came into
existence as the German Democratic Republic. In October 1950, he was assigned to
the fourth Troop Carrier Squadron of the 62nd Troop Carrier Group at McChord Air
Force Base, Washington. This was in the period when the Air Force had spent much
of the 1950s training and equipping itself for a nuclear conflict. In September
1951, he transferred to Tachikawa, Japan, and continued flight engineer duties.
Chief Barnes transferred in June 1952 to the 30th Air Transport Squadron,
Westover Air Force Base, Mass., where he attended C-118 school and continued his
flight engineer duties in that aircraft. In September 1965, he went to Fairchild
Air Force Base, Wash., and continued duties as senior controller. In October
1966 he entered the F-4 Field Training Detachment at George Air Force Base,
Calif., and in December 1966 went to Southeast Asia. In addition, during this
time there was an extended debate resulted in the defeat of a major civil rights
bill forbidding discrimination in housing and of a bill permitting states to
enact right-to-work laws. The Senate also voted, in effect, to annul a provision
of the 1964 Civil Rights Act that required desegregation of hospitals. In
December 1967, he returned from Southeast Asia to Laughlin Air Force Base,
Texas, where his duties were T-38 section line chief. During the same year, the
United States had over 475,000 troops in South Vietnam. Chief Barnes was
promoted to the grade of chief master sergeant on December 1, 1969, and was
transferred to Headquarters Air Training Command in October 1971 to assume
duties as command senior enlisted adviser. On Oct. 1, 1973, he was appointed
chief master sergeant of the Air Force. At the expiration of the initial
two-year tenure, he was extended for an additional year by the chief of staff.
In addition, during this period, the United States withdrew its combat troops in
1973; the air force began to experiment with its first “precision” bombs. In
February 1976, he was selected by the chief of staff to serve an unprecedented
second year extension, shortly after he retired Jul. 31, 1977. Chief Barnes has
made tremendous strides throughout his Air Force Career, which is highlighted
and associated with his awards and honors received. Next, I will discuss some of
Chief Barnes’ major awards and decorations.
3- Chief Barnes’ awards and
decorations were awarded for his exhibition of extraordinary standard and
conduct while in the Air Force. I will begin discussing some of his major awards
and decorations in order of precedence. First, I will discuss the Legion of
Merit; it was originally ranked directly below the Distinguished Service Medal
in the Navy's pyramid of honor. The Legion of Merit is worth seven points on
Weighted Airman Promoted System. Next, I will discuss the Meritorious Service
Medal. This decoration was established by Executive Order 11448 on Jan. 16, 1969
and may be awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who
distinguishes himself or herself by either outstanding achievement or
meritorious service to the United States. This decoration is worth five points
on the Weighted Airman Promoted System. Next, I will discuss the Air Medal
award. This decoration was established by Executive Order 9158; and is awarded
to U.S. personnel for single acts of heroism or meritorious achievements while
participating in aerial flight and foreign military personnel in actual combat
in support of operations. This decoration is worth three points on the Weighted
Airman Promoted System. Next, I will discuss the Outstanding Airmen of the Year
award. This ribbon is awarded to airman nominated by the MAJCOMs to Head
Quarters for competition in the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year program.
Finally, I will discuss the Air Force Commendation Medal. The Secretary of the
Air Force authorized this medal on March 28, 1958, for award to members of the
Armed Forces of the United States who has distinguished themselves by
meritorious achievement and service.
4- In closing, the mere mention of the
title "chief" brings to mind visions of wisdom, strength, bravery, commitment
and honor. Moreover, the mere mention of Chief Barnes’ Air Force career is both
exemplary and outstanding by anyone’s measure and is thought of very highly.
Chief Barnes has played an integral part in Enlisted History and has made
significant contributions to Air Force History.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1- Black Americans in defense of our nation / United States. Department
of Defense. Wahsington, DC: U.S> Government Printing Office, 1985 [revised
1990]
2- A History of Black America / Howard O. Linsey. Secaucus, NJ:
Chartwell Books, Inc., 1994
3- US Air Force Museum
http://www.wpafb.af.mil/museum/ [Internet]
4- The United States Air
Force Museum http://www.intecon.com/museum/ [Internet]
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