Melvin “Shorty” Thomas

Melvin “Shorty” Thomas joined B-1 in Hawaii. He had entered the Navy in September 1942 as a Seabee.

He grew up in St. Louis, “in an atmosphere saturated with good music.” His brother, Eugene Thomas, Jr. started him on guitar, whih he “suddenly began to react to the guitar with a strange intensity of affection.” He had no professional experience prior to joining the Navy, except, he said, “I had swell time gigging with a group of girls around St. Louis.” 

Prior to B-1, he played guitar with the Seaman Raiders, also housed at Manana Barracks. On arrival, the bandsmen quickly recognized his talent; he agreed to the invitation to join and received his Musician’s rating.

Harris, Otto. “Musically Speaking.” Pearl City, HA. Mananan. 6 Aug. 1945: 7.

February 25, 2025