H. Thompson Straw

Background

Straw, H. Thompson was born on March 21, 1907 in Antigo, Wisconsin, United States. Son of Harold Parker and Clara A. (Thompson) Straw.

Education

Bachelor of Arts, Hillsdale College, 1930. Master of Arts, University of Michigan, 1934, Doctor of Philosophy, 1936.

Career

Teaching fellow geography University of Michigan, 1934-1936. Assistant professor geography Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, 1936-1937, associate professor geography, 1937-1939. Professor geography Western Michigan University, 1939-1947.

Visiting professor George Washington University, 1945, Michigan State University, 1946.

Chief Africa section topographic detachment G-2 Department of Army, Washington, 1947-1950. Geographer Reconnaissance Branch AFCIN Headquarters United States Air Force, Washington, 1950-1951, deputy for research and geography, 1951-1955, deputy chief photographic intelligence utilization section, 1955-1957.

Chief photographic intelligence utilization section Headquarters United States Air Force (Reconnaissance Branch AFCIN), 1957-1959, retired, 1959, private research and publications, since 1959. Lecturer Strategic Intelligence School, Department Defense, 1947-1959.

Air Force member United States Board on Geography Names, 1950-1958, chairman, 1954-1958.

Air Corps instructor maps and charts, 1943-1944, chief cartographic section history branch G-2, 1944-1945.

Achievements

• H. Thompson Straw has been listed as a noteworthy geographer. by Marquis Who's Who.

Membership

Fellow American Association for the Advancement of Science. Member American Geography Society, Association American Geographers, Michigan Academy Science Arts and Letters (chairman geografic section 1942-1943), National Council Geography Education (chairman calendar reform committee 1941-1942), Sigma Xi, Chi Gamma Phi, Epsilon Delta Alpha.

Connections

Married Hilda Smith Jackson, December 16, 1932.

Father:

Harold Parker Straw

Mother:

Clara A. (Thompson) Straw

Spouse:

Hilda Smith Jackson