This is all incredibly helpful. To Gary Duffey - i would love to run an add in the Shreveport Times - let me know if that is feasible and i can wire the fee. I read a little about L G Thomas on the Atomic Heritage Foundation Message Board a few years back see below:
"There is a persistent story in our family regarding one of our uncles, Mr. Leon G. Thomas. He was born in 1905 and passed away in 1963. The story was that he was in some way associated with the design or construction of the first atomic bomb. Mr. Thomas was illiterate, but a master machinist and tool and dye maker. He would have been in his mid to late thirties during the time the bomb was being developed. He spent the remainder of his life in Shreveport, Louisiana, where he owned and operated his machine shop until his death. Can you tell me if there is any actual record of Leon G. Thomas being associated with the project? Thank you very much. Duncan Stephens"
I really do have the bit between my teeth to find out more.
