Norman R. Thomas

Private First Class Norman R. Thomas

WWII Prisoner of War, Returns Home After 83 Years

Private First Class Norman R. Thomas, age 20, of Verbena, Alabama, who was missing in action during World War II, has finally returned home. His remains were identified through DNA analysis and forensic review conducted over an eight-year period by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA).

Born on February 27, 1922 to F.J. and Cora Thomas, Norman was the eldest of three children. After graduating from Verbena High School in 1940, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Forces and was assigned to the 48th Material Squadron, 5th Air Base Group. In November 1941, he was assigned to foreign service in the Philippines, where he remained at the time of America’s entry into World War II. With the bombing of Pearl Harbor and the subsequent Japanese invasion of the Philippines, USAAF personnel fought as infantry until the surrender of U.S. forces in the Philippines in the spring of 1942. Private First Class Thomas became a prisoner of the Japanese and endured the 65-mile Bataan Death March to Cabanatuan POW Camp on Luzon, Philippine Islands. On June 16, 1942, he was admitted to the camp hospital where he died on July 19, 1942 as a prisoner of war. He had been listed as missing in action since 1942.

After more than 80 years, his remains were recovered and positively identified in 2025, bringing long-awaited closure to his family and community.

Private First Class Thomas was awarded the Purple Heart, Bronze Star Medal, Prisoner of War Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, American Defense Service Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Philippine Defense Ribbon, and Honorable Service Award for his bravery and sacrifice.

Since his death in 1942, he was lovingly remembered by his parents, F.J. and Cora Thomas, and his sister, Rubye Thomas Jones (Chester), who have since passed away, but spent their lives honoring his memory. He was preceded in death by his brother, Silas Thomas. He is survived by his nephew, Ronnie Jones (Ester) of Clanton; great-niece, Heather Cummings (Kevin) of Opelika; great-nephew, Brian Jones (Megan) of Clanton; great-great nephews, Jake Cummings, John Conner Cummings, Ben Jones, Cam Jones and Ian Jones; and many other extended family members. Though decades have elapsed, his courage and devotion to duty have never been forgotten.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at Martin Funeral Home followed by the service at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel. Interment will follow at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church Cemetery, Verbena, Alabama, where Private First Class Norman R. Thomas will be laid to rest with full military honors.

The family expresses their deep gratitude to the DPAA and all who worked tirelessly to bring Norman home and honor his memory.

"Greater love hath no man than this, than a man lay down his life for his friends.”- John 15:13

Martin Funeral Home of Clanton directing.