Thomas N. Barnes | |
|---|---|
 Barnes c. 1973 | |
| Born | November 16, 1930 Chester, Pennsylvania, US |
| Died | March 17, 2003 (aged 72) Sherman, Texas, US |
| Service | United States Air Force |
| Years of service | 1949–1977 |
| Rank | Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force |
| Unit | 8th Tactical Fighter Wing |
| Battles / wars | Korean War Vietnam War |
| Awards | Legion of Merit Meritorious Service Medal (3) Air Medal Air Force Commendation Medal |
Thomas Nelson Barnes (November 16, 1930 – March 17, 2003) was an airman in the United States Air Force who served as the 4th Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force from October 1973 to July 1977, the first African American in that position. He was also the first African-American Senior Enlisted Advisor in any of the Armed Forces of the United States. He was key in bringing many African-American related issues to the attention of senior military leaders.