John Thomas Cotton, Jr. was born 30 May 1928 in Birmingham, Alabama to John Thomas Cotton, Sr. and Zadie Williams Cotton. He enlisted in the US Navy in 1947 and was discharged in 1950. He then attended the Tuskegee Institute, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering in 1955. He was commissioned 2nd lieut. in the Air Force Reserves in 1954, being discharged in 1967 with the rank of captain. In January 1960 he married Minnie Muriel Williams in Birmingham. From 1960 until his retirement, he was employed at the Air Force Avionics Laboratory at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, and the family took up residence in Yellow Springs.

Highlights from the collection include: Tuskegee Institute Bulletin, 1954-1955. -- Diploma for a degree of Bachelor of Science from Tuskegee Institute for John Cotton, Jr. -- Program for Tuskegee Institution Commencement, 23 May 1955. -- Commission as 2nd lieut, Reserve, United States Air Force, 24 May 1954. -- Tuskeana (Tuskegee Institute Yearbook) 1955, incl. photo of John Cotton, Jr. housed in a Tuskegee Institute award folder. -- Selection of photos, incl. Cotton on ship deck in Navy uniform and photo of John and Minnie Cotton's wedding. -- 5 x 7 in. photo of Wright Patterson AFB, under 10 x 14 in. mat signed by over 70 friends and co-workers. Label at bottom “John T. Cotton, Jr. / 28 February 1986 / In appreciation for your 31 years total military and civilian service with the United States Government.”

[With:] Certificate of Service, Department of the Air Force “In recognition of 31 years of faithful and devoted Federal Service on the occasion of retirement from civilian employment.” 28 Feb. 1986. -- Miscellaneous government papers relating to discharges, retirement, and more. 

[With:] Certificate of Appreciation for Minnie Cotton on the occasion of her husband’s retirement from Federal Service for her support over the years making his career possible. 28 Feb. 1986. In oblong blue folder with silver gilt Air Force seal on front.

[With:] Honorable Discharge from the United States Navy, 14 July 1950. 

[With:] Honorable Discharge from U.S. Air Force, 19 April 1967. 8 x 10-1/2 in.

[With:] Resume for John Thomas Cotton.

[With:] Desk flag for the Association of Old Crows, “nonprofit professional organization specializing in electronic warfare, tactical information operations and associated disciplines” plus membership certificate dated 17 Aug. 1970.

[With:] Various cards, including an insurance card, Sacred Order of the Golden Dragon (USS Pasadena, 17 Oct. 1948), Selective Service card, Association of Turtles – Old Crows Chapter (4/21/72), more.

[With:] Copy of birth certificate and passport. -- Marriage certificate for John Thomas Cotton, Jr. and Minnie Muriel Williams, 23 Jan. 1960. Our Lady of Fatima, Roman Catholic Church, Birmingham, AL. -- Instructions for voting in Ohio

[With:] National Industrial Security Program manual, Jan. 1995. Pages held with binder’s clip.

[With:] Certificate for United States Air Force Extension Course Institute, Electronics Fundamentals Officer Course, 1 April 1958; . -- Certificate for United States Air Force Extension Course Institute, Air Electronics Officer, 6 Nov. 1959. --Second copy of Air Electronics Officer certificate (6 Nov. 1959)]. -- Certificate from The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, 1 Sept. 1965.

[Also with:] Cover letters that accompanied the first two certificates and a letter from the Air Force Reserve Officers Training Corps re: a survey of all personnel who received a commission through a detachment (not present) 24 June 1960.