COL Erna H. Thompson U.S. Army (Ret.)

COL Erna H. Thompson, U.S. Army (ret.) age 102, went to be with the Lord on December 16, 2016. She was born on September 1, 1914 in Ada, Minnesota to John & Johanne Schmitt. She was a loving wife, daughter, sister, aunt and friend who will be dearly missed. She considered herself an average individual who has led a wonderful life. She dedicated her life to nursing and served in the U.S. Army for three wars: WWII (during Pearl Harbor), the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Mrs. Thompson’s life was nothing short of extraordinary. For example, Eleanor Roosevelt was her pen-pal, and she was the highest ranking woman in the U.S. Army at that time in history.

First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt convinced President Franklin D. Roosevelt that married women should be allowed in the armed forces because of Mrs. Thompson’s petition. Eleanor Roosevelt sent back a letter instructing Mrs. Thompson to report to Ft. Snelling, Minn., making her the first married woman ever to be admitted into the U.S. Army.

In 1966, she reached the pinnacle of her military and professional career when she became the Chief Army Nurse at the U.S. Hospital in Berlin, Germany. Within 3 years, she was promoted to colonel, which was the highest rank ever attained by a woman in the Army at the time, with 500 personnel working under her.

In 1971, with a combined total of 49 years of military service between Erna and John her husband, the two retired in San Antonio. Of course, Erna Thompson didn’t put an end to her lifelong mission of helping others; she continued to be charitable with her time and resources to countless organizations and causes. Although she spent a lifetime making the world a much better place, she would probably be the last to tell you so.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and husband, John R. Thompson (who she married in May 26, 1939 ).

She is survived by her sister, Alfrieda Drawbert; 5 nephews, Paul Schmitt & wife Susan, Don Schmitt & wife Karen, David Drawbert, John Drawbert and Jim Liefield & wife Diane; 2 nieces, Joan Schmitt and Mary Jean Harris & husband Raney; special friends, Vince & Mary Jo Rangel and Bill & Sue Cotner.

The Graveside Service will be 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, December 27, 2016 at the Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery with Full Military Honors. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the charity of one’s choice. Condolences may be offered at www.sunsetfuneralhomesa.com.

She once said, “I don’t think I really achieved that much. I’ve had some marvelous experiences in my life. I’ve been able to do more than I could ever have dreamed of. I’m perfectly happy.”

The family would like to express “special thanks” to Darla Alston also the caring staff at Shavano Park Senior Living.