Laurence Joseph Thomson

COLONEL LAURENCE JOSEPH "LARRY" THOMSON, USAF (RET.)
U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 1959

Originally hailing from Billings, Montana, Laurence Joseph "Larry" Thomson earned a Senatorial appointment to represent his home state in the inaugural Class of 1959 at the United States Air Force Academy. Assigned to Cadet Squadron 11, Thomson quickly distinguished himself both academically and athletically.

Known affectionately to his classmates as "Lucky Linus"—and remembered fondly for his distinctively extraordinary arm swing—Larry was a multi-sport athlete who competed in track, basketball, football, and baseball. Demonstrating exceptional leadership on and off the field, he served as team captain for both the Falcons' football and baseball teams during his time at the Academy. In 1956, Thomson was selected as an AP Little All-American (3rd Team) at fullback after leading the young Academy team to a 6–2–1 record, later serving as team captain in 1958.

On June 3, 1959, he graduated as part of USAFA’s historic "Forever First" class.

GRADUATE EDUCATION & EARLY FLYING CAREER

Following graduation and commissioning, Thomson pursued advanced graduate studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), earning a Master of Science degree in 1961. He was then assigned to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, as a Project Officer within Air Force Systems Command (AFSC) from 1961 to 1964.

Transitioning to flight line operations, Thomson completed pilot training and served as an Instructor Pilot with the 3576th Pilot Training Squadron at Vance Air Force Base, Oklahoma, from 1964 to 1965, mentoring the next generation of Air Force aviators.

COMBAT & TEST PILOT DUTY

In 1969, Colonel Thomson deployed to Southeast Asia as a tactical fighter pilot with the 355th Tactical Fighter Wing stationed at Takhli Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand. During his combat tour over Vietnam and Southeast Asia, he flew high-risk strike missions, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross and nine Air Medals for aerial skill and valor under fire.

Following his return and completion of the Armed Forces Staff College in Norfolk, Virginia, in 1970, Thomson was selected for the prestigious Aerospace Research Pilot School (ARPS) at Edwards Air Force Base, California. After graduating as a test pilot, he joined the ARPS cadre, serving as an instructor and Chief of the Stability & Control Section (1972–1973), and subsequently as Chief of the Academic Branch at the USAF Test Pilot School.

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT & COMMAND LEADERSHIP

After graduating from the National War College in 1974 and a tour as a test pilot with the 3246th Test Wing at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, Thomson shifted his leadership focus toward major defense acquisition, satellite communications, and aerospace testing:

• AFSATCOM SPO (1977–1980): Served as Deputy Director for the Air Force Satellite Communications System Program Office at Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts.

• AFPRO Northrop (1980–1982): Commanded the Air Force Plant Representative Office at Northrop in Hawthorne, California.

• 6585th Test Group (1982–1984): Served as Commander of the 6585th Test Group at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, directing critical flight testing and sled track evaluations.

• Anti-Satellite Missile Systems (1984–1986): Directed the high-priority Anti-Satellite (ASAT) Missile Systems program within AFSC's Space Systems Division at Los Angeles Air Force Station.

Following 31 years of distinguished active-duty service, Colonel Thomson retired from the United States Air Force in 1986, continuing his contributions to defense aerospace technology as a Program Manager with Northrop in Pico Rivera, California.

EDUCATION


Bachelor of Science United States Air Force Academy (CS-11) 1959
Master of Science Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) 1961
Intermediate Service School Armed Forces Staff College (Norfolk, VA) 1970
Test Pilot School USAF Aerospace Research Pilot School (Edwards AFB, CA) 1971–1972
Senior Service School National War College (Washington, D.C.) 1973–1974

MEDALS & MAJOR MILITARY DECORATIONS

Legion of Merit 2 Awards (1 Oak Leaf Cluster)
Distinguished Flying Cross 1 Award
Meritorious Service Medal 2 Awards (1 Oak Leaf Cluster)
Air Medal 9 Awards (8 Oak Leaf Clusters)
Air Force Commendation Medal 1 Award

SERVICE ASSIGNMENTS

1955–1959 Cadet, USAFA (CS-11) U.S. Air Force Academy, CO
1961 Post-Graduate Student Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
1961–1964 Project Officer AFSC, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH
1964–1965 Instructor Pilot 3576th Pilot Training Sq, Vance AFB, OK
1969–1970 Fighter Pilot (Combat Tour) 355th Tactical Fighter Wing, Takhli RTAFB, Thailand
1970 Intermediate Service School Student Armed Forces Staff College, Norfolk, VA
1971–1972 Test Pilot School Student Aerospace Research Pilot School, Edwards AFB, CA
1972–1973 Instructor & Chief, Stability & Control Section Aerospace Research Pilot School, Edwards AFB, CA
1973 Chief, Academic Branch USAF Test Pilot School, Edwards AFB, CA
1973–1974 Senior Service School Student National War College, Washington, D.C.
1975 Test Pilot 3246th Test Wing, Eglin AFB, FL
1977–1980 Deputy Director, AFSATCOM SPO Hanscom AFB, MA
1980–1982 Commander AFPRO Northrop, Hawthorne, CA
1982–1984 Commander 6585th Test Group, Holloman AFB, NM
1984–1986 Program Director, Anti-Satellite Missile Systems AFSC Space Systems Division, Los Angeles AFS, CA
1986 Program Manager (Post-Military) Northrop, Pico Rivera, CA