Thomas, William Nathaniel, RADM

Deceased

Service Photo

Service Details

Last Rank
Rear Admiral Upper Half

Last Service Branch
Chaplain Christian

Last Primary NEC
410X-Chaplain Corps Officer

Last Rating/NEC Group
Staff Corps Officer

Primary Unit
1945-1949, 410X, Office of the Chief of Chaplains

Service Years
1918 - 1949

Last Photo

Personal Details

Home State

Mississippi

Year of Birth
1892

This Military Service Page was created/owned by Dorothy Thomas-Family to remember Thomas, William Nathaniel, RADM USN(Ret).

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Contact Info

Home Town Piney Woods, MS	Last Address Lake Junaliska, NC
Date of Passing Apr 26, 1971
Location of Interment Arlington National Cemetery (VLM) - Arlington, Virginia

Official Badges

Unofficial Badges

Additional Information

Last Known Activity:

7th Chief of Chaplins

For many years the authorship of The Midshipman Prayer was unknown. In 1938 Thomas wrote the prayer at the request of some Midshipmen. It is said to encompass much of his theology and his ideal of a Naval Officer. He never sought credit for the prayer. It has been used at Divine Service in the Naval Academy Chapel ever since. A bronze plaque of the prayer resides in the chapel.

Tributes from Members