Thomason, John W. (John William), 1893-1944

John William Thomason, Jr. (1893-1944), author, artist, and United States Marine Corps captain, was born in Huntsville, Texas, on February 28, 1893. During his life, he attended several universities, institutes, and colleges, including Southwestern University, Sam Houston Normal Institute, the University of Texas, the Art Students League in New York, and the Army and Navy War colleges. Before joining the U.S. Marine Corps in 1917, he taught school, worked as a school principal, wrote for the Houston Chronicle, and trained as a member of the Citizens Military Training Corps in San Antonio.

As a marine in World War I, Thomason fought in numerous engagements and battles in France, such as the battles of Belleau Wood, Château-Thierry, Saint-Mihiel, Soissons, and Mont Blanc Ridge. Following the war, Thomason was stationed in Cuba, Nicaragua, and China, as well as served aboard the USS Rochester. Additionally, he worked as an aide for Assistant Secretary of the Navy Henry Roosevelt and for the Office of Naval Intelligence. In 1944, Thomason died in San Diego, California, while performing military duties related to World War II. Following his death, a portion of the Marine Base in Quantico, Virginia, a navy destroyer, and the Graphic Arts Building at Sam Houston State University were named for him.

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