Hadwick A. Thompson (1919-2002) was born on November 17, 1919 the son of Hadwick and Edna Thompson of Willows, California and the grandson of California pioneer Alvin Aaron Coffey. The Hadwick Thompson papers consist of twenty photographs, correspondence, business cards, and a funeral program that document the life and activities of Hadwick Thompson as the first African American police officer to join the Oakland Police Department.

Hadwick A. Thompson (1919-2002) was born on November 17, 1919 the son of Hadwick and Edna Thompson of Willows, California and the grandson of California pioneer Alvin Aaron Coffey. Thompson was raised in Willows, California and graduated from Willows High School in 1938 before joining the U.S. Navy the following year. During World War II, he was stationed on the U.S.S. Ramsey in Hawaii and witnessed the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Thompson was eventually transferred to submarine service and stationed on the submarine U.S.S. Pollack for the remainder of the war earning four Bronze Stars.

.15 linear feet (1 box + 1 oversized box)

Permission to publish from the Hadwick Thompson Papers must be obtained from the African American Museum & Library at Oakland.

No access restrictions. Collection is open to the public.