Before he fought as a soldier, Thomas recorded one of America's most beloved songs. Born in Cisco, Texas, he played trumpet with Jimmie Davis' band. In 1942 the group recorded "You Are My Sunshine," an instant hit. Drafted later that year, Thomas entered the US Army Air Forces and saw action in the 63^rd Air Service Group in New Guinea and on Okinawa. In the occupation of Japan he witnessed the Japanese surrender ceremonies aboard the USS Missouri. Thomas left the armed forces as a private first class in late 1945. He resumed performing with the Jimmie Davis band, and then worked as a Shreveport policeman before embarking on a career in oil and gas security.