Earl Thornton Ricks (1908 - 1954)

Born 9 Jul 1908 in West Point, Clay, Mississippi, United States

Husband of Hazel Nutt (Brown) Ricks — married 20 Apr 1930 in Lafayette, Arkansas, United States

Died 4 Jan 1954 at age 45 in Washington, District of Columbia, United States

Problems/Questions Profile manager: Jimmy Honey [send private message]

Biography

Earl Ricks is Notable.

Colonel Earl Ricks served in the United States Army Air Forces in World War II
Service started: 1940
Unit(s): 17th Bombardment Group (Medium);Air Transport Command
Service ended: 1945

Earl Thornton Ricks remains a notable figure for his multi-faceted legacy, blending aviation prowess, military leadership, and civic service. A pioneering aviator, Ricks earned his wings in 1929, showcasing his passion for flight through barnstorming and later becoming a pivotal figure in the Air Transport Command during World War II. His distinguished military career saw him pilot the plane for the Japanese surrender party, marking a historic moment in the Pacific theater. Beyond the skies, Ricks served as the mayor of Hot Springs, Arkansas, to reform the city's image while initiating crucial infrastructure improvements. Rising through the ranks of the Arkansas National Guard to become a major general, his dedication to both his nation and community solidifies his lasting impact in aviation history and civic service, earning him recognition through awards, armories, and honors that continue to bear his name.^[1][2]

Earl Thornton Ricks entered the world on a sweltering July 9th in 1908^[3], finding his first breaths in the heartland of West Point, Mississippi.^[4][5] His parents, Earl Paul Ricks and Nancy Jordon Ricks, welcomed him into a family that would nurture his ambitions and set his course through the skies of possibility.^[6]

The early years whisked young Earl and his family across the landscape, from Greenwood, Mississippi, in 1910 to the embrace of Lafayette County, Arkansas, in 1916. It was here that Earl began his educational journey, attending local schools, which laid the groundwork for the remarkable odyssey ahead.^[7]

Amidst the backdrop of Main Street in Baker Township, Lafayette County, Arkansas, the seeds of aviation dreams began to sprout within him.^[6] His heart set on the heavens. He pursued this passion after graduating high school, setting courses for the Parks Air College in St. Louis, Missouri. In 1929, the year when dreams took flight, he earned his wings and found himself the proud owner of a two-passenger biplane, courtesy of his supportive father.^[1][8]

With the skies beckoning, Earl took to the air, adopting the barnstorming style to share his passion with others, soaring through the heavens with eager passengers in tow. His wings weren’t just for personal delight; they became a vessel of joy for those who shared his airborne adventures.^[1]

In 1930, he tied the knot with Hazel June Brown, sealing their love in Stamps, Lafayette County, Arkansas, as Earl’s life began to weave a tapestry of both aerial feats and grounded endeavors.^[9][10][11]

The wheels of fate steered him towards Hot Springs, Arkansas, in 1935, where a new chapter awaited. Partnering with Raymond Clinton, he ventured into automobiles, carving a niche for himself in the Ricks-Clinton Buick car dealership.^[12]

But destiny had more in store for Earl than just automobiles. March of 1940 witnessed a pivotal shift as he enlisted in the Arkansas National Guard, marking the commencement of his military service. His aviation prowess didn’t go unnoticed; he earned his pilot's wings and ascended to the rank of second lieutenant, eventually finding his place in the 17th Bomb Group.^[13][14][15]

World War II was a defining period for Earl Ricks, a time when his leadership and courage shone brightest. From assuming command of Air Transport Command bases in Miami, Florida, to steering operations in Cairo, Egypt, his dedication soared alongside his planes. His journey through the Pacific theater culminated in an iconic moment, piloting the aircraft that carried the Japanese surrender party, sealing history’s pages with the surrender terms in Manila.^[13][16]

Post-war, Earl returned to the Arkansas soil, where his service continued beyond the clouds. From the mayorship of Hot Springs, where he strove to revamp the city’s reputation^[17], to his appointments in the Arkansas National Guard, rising to the rank of major general in 1951, his commitment to service remained unwavering.^[18][19]

However, like all great tales, Earl Ricks’ story met its poignant end on January 4, 1954, at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington DC, where he succumbed to cancer. His legacy, however, continued to soar through the skies, immortalized in awards, armories, and contests dedicated to honoring his memory and contributions to aviation and the National Guard.^[20][21]

As the curtains closed on his earthly journey, he found his final resting place at Lakeside Cemetery in Stamps, Lafayette County, Arkansas, leaving behind a legacy etched not just in stone, but in the annals of aviation history.^[22]

Sources

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1 1.2} Brittenum, Judy Byrd, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Encyclopedia of Arkansas, last updated on 1 Nov 2023. "Earl Thornton Ricks (1908–1954)." Accessed 4 Jan 2024.
2. ↑ Wikipedia contributors. Earl T. Ricks. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. September 8, 2023, 00:12 UTC. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Earl_T._Ricks&oldid=1174361669. Accessed January 4, 2024.
3. ↑ U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007: Ancestry.com. U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2015. Original data: Social Security Applications and Claims, 1936-2007. Ancestry Record 60901 #808866624
4. ↑ Congressional Record: Proceedings and Debates of the ... Congress. United States: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1954. "Congressional Record." Accessed 4 Jan 2024.
5. ↑ Ricks Funeral Held Today at Hot Springs, The Daily World, Helena, Arkansas, 7 Jan 1954, Thu. - Page 1. Newspapers Clip: 138038573, Accessed 4 Jan 2024.
6. ↑ ^{6.0 6.1} 1920 United States Federal Census: Year: 1920; Census Place: Baker, Lafayette, Arkansas; Roll: T625_68; Page: 13A; Enumeration District: 113 Ancestry Record 6061 #2935876
7. ↑ 1910 United States Federal Census: Year: 1910; Census Place: Greenwood South Ward, Leflore, Mississippi; Roll: T624_749; Page: 21b; Enumeration District: 0071; FHL microfilm: 1374762 Ancestry Record 7884 #151141054
8. ↑ Earl Ricks Hops First To Yuma, The Spokesman-Review, Spokane, Washington, 26 Aug 1935, Mon. - Page 5. Newspapers Clip: 138031228, Accessed 4 Jan 2024.
9. ↑ Arkansas, U.S., County Marriages Index, 1837-1957: Ancestry.com. Arkansas, U.S., County Marriages Index, 1837-1957 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2011. Original data: "Arkansas County Marriages, 1838–1957." Index. FamilySearch, Salt Lake City, Utah, 2009, 2011. "Arkansas County Marriages, 1838–1957," database, FamilySearch; from Arkansas Courts of Common Pleas and County Clerks. Digital images of originals housed at various county courthouses in the State of Arkansas. Marriage records. Ancestry Record 2548 #1095774
10. ↑ Arkansas, Marriage Certificates, 1917-1972: Arkansas Department of Vital Records; Little Rock, Arkansas; Marriage Certificates; Year: 1930; Film: #4 Ancestry Record 61775 #389738
11. ↑ 1930 United States Federal Census: Year: 1930; Census Place: Waldo, Columbia, Arkansas; Page: 1B; Enumeration District: 0014; FHL microfilm: 2339804 Ancestry Record 6224 #86128343
12. ↑ Earl Ricks co-partner in Buick Agency, The Mountaineer Echo, Yellville, Arkansas, 20 Jul 1950, Thu. - Page 4. Newspapers Clip: 138032390, Accessed 4 Jan 2024.
13. ↑ ^{13.0 13.1} Gross, Charles Joseph. The Air National Guard and the American military tradition : militiaman, volunteer, and professional. Washington: National Guard Bureau, 1995. "The Air National Guard and the American Military Tradition." Accessed 4 Jan 2024.
14. ↑ 1940 United States Federal Census: Year: 1940; Census Place: Hot Springs, Garland, Arkansas; Roll: m-t0627-00137; Page: 6A; Enumeration District: 26-31 Ancestry Record 2442 #105320696
15. ↑ Col. Earl Ricks At Lions Club, The Camden News, Camden, Arkansas, 13 Jul 1948, Tue. - Page 1. Newspapers Clip: 138029929, Accessed 4 Jan 2024.
16. ↑ American General's Aides Grill Group for Data to Speed Japan Occupation, The Morning News, Wilmington, Delware, 20 Aug 1945, Mon. - Pages 1 and 12. Newspapers Clip: 138031955, Newspapers Clip: 138031759, Accessed 4 Jan 2024.
17. ↑ Associated Press, Veterans' Candidate Wins Easily at Hot Springs, Evening Star, Washington, District of Columbia, 2 Apr 1947, Wed. - Page 5. Newspapers Clip: 138037697, Accessed 4 Jan 2024.
18. ↑ Journal of the Executive Proceedings of the Senate of the United States of America. United States: order of the Senate of the United States, 1949. "Journal of the Executive Proceedings of the Senate of the United States of America." Accessed 4 Jan 2024.
19. ↑ Journal of the Executive Proceedings of the Senate of the United States. United States: n.p., 1952. "Journal of the Executive Proceedings of the Senate of the United States." Accessed 4 Jan 2024.
20. ↑ Earl Ricks Ex-Spa Mayor, Dies at 45, Hope Star, Hope, Arkansas, 6 Jan 1954, Wed. - Page 4. Newspapers Clip: 138030582, Accessed 4 Jan 2024.
21. ↑ U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014: Social Security Administration; Washington D.C., USA; Social Security Death Index, Master File Ancestry Record 3693 #52006292
22. ↑ Burial: Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/65237628/earl-thornton-ricks: accessed 04 January 2024), memorial page for Earl Thornton Ricks (9 Jul 1908–4 Jan 1954), Find A Grave: Memorial #65237628, citing Lakeside Cemetery, Stamps, Lafayette County, Arkansas, USA; Maintained by David Shane Spencer (contributor 46519945).

See Also

• Wikidata: Item Q5326111