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MEMORIAL ARTICLE
Published Assembly Jul '98
Thomas Maldwyn Daye No. 16161 Class of 1946
Died in Albuquerque, New Mexico on 12 June 1997.
Interment: Santa Fe National Cemetery, Santa Fe, New Mexico.
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Thomas Maldwyn Daye was born in the Philippines
where his father was stationed. He lived the nomadic life required
of an Army son until his father retired in l938 to Oakland, CA.
After graduating from Berkeley High School in l940, Tom entered
Millard's Prep School to prepare for West Point. Before he could
get an appointment, WWII started, so he enlisted in the Army
Air Corps and was accepted for navigator training. About the
time he received his navigator's wings, Tom gained his appointment
to West Point. Cadet life started with a bang because Tom insisted
on wearing his navigator's wings. This brought much unwanted
upper class attention.
Classmate Jack Jackson recalled: "If there
is one word to describe Tom, it is perseverance. The Academic
Department was almost Tom's nemesis, but he did persevere and
graduate.
E-1 company mate, Joe Jordan wrote: "I spent
a lot of time with Tom during the first two years at the Point
as I coached him through a number of turnout exams. Tom was one
man who was liked by every classmate in E-1. No one could resist
his combination of unflappable calm and persistent good humor.
No matter how deep his difficulties with academics or the TAC's
he grinned and pushed forward. Through it all, Tom persisted,
winning the affection and respect of everyone who knew him."
Tom graduated with his wings in the Army Air Corps.
Following transition training in Arizona, Tom was
assigned to Randolph AFB, TX for further training. It was there
that he decided to follow a non rated career in the munitions
field. While at Randolph, Tom married Jean Widders on 9 May l947.
First stop in his new career field was armaments school in Mississippi,
followed by nuclear weapons schooling in Albuquerque, NM. In
l950 he was assigned to the 9th Aviation Squadron at Travis AFB,
CA. In l953 the Dayes went to Guam where Tom was assigned to
the 3rd Aviation Field Depot. Back in the States in l955 Tom
served with the 38th Aviation Depot Squadron in Tucson, AZ. Next
he served in the Office of the Inspector General, Fifteenth Air
Force at Travis AFB, CA. In l96l Tom commanded the 42d Munitions
Maintenance squadron. The Dayes then moved to Germany where Tom
served at HQUSAFF. After attending the Air War College in l967
Tom went to Vietnam to command an armaments unit supporting a
wing of F-4 fighters. While there he requested approval to go
along on combat missions to see how effective his unit was in
support. Although unusual, his request was granted. Back in the
States Tom became an instructor at the Air War College in l968.
He received a master's degree from Troy State University in l97l.
That year the Dayes moved to Kirtland AFB. It was there that
he was medically retired in the grade of colonel due to cancer
of the kidney.
The Dayes first retirement home was in Austin,
TX. In l98l they moved to Albuquerque, NM. In retirement, Tom
was active in community and church affairs. An avid swimmer,
he won gold medals in state competition and placed 5th in national
competition. It was while swimming that Tom suffered a fatal
heart attack.
He is survived by his loving wife Jean, three daughters:
Dawne, Debbie, and Dana, and brother, John, Jr. '43, four grandchildren,
and four great grandchildren.
The impact one person makes in the world is summed
up by his worldly accomplishments, and most importantly, how
he is remembered by those whose lives he touched. Tom Daye touched
many by his deeds and actions and is fondly remembered. Friend,
Nick Woodward wrote: "Tom Daye was one of the finest men
I have ever known. He was a man of highest moral character, who
practiced his beliefs in his daily life. His death was a loss,
not only to his family but also to his many friends."
Friend, Doug Barlow recalled: "Tom loved this
country and treasured the time spent at West Point. He was truly
a Christian gentleman, always compassionate and understanding
with all he met. To Tom, I say, "Rest easy, old friend."
Brother Jack Daye wrote: "The West Point motto
"Duty, Honor, Country" was one that Tom believed in
and practiced. He always told Jean these things came before family
in priority."
His loving wife Jean remembered: "Tom was
a loving husband and devoted father. He was honest, generous
to all less fortunate, compassionate, God fearing, forthright
and always dedicated to the Air Force, his country and West Point.
I still can't believe he is gone. We will always love and miss
him."
To these loving remembrances of his family and
friends the Class of '46 is proud to add the final words that
would mean so much to our friend and classmate: "Well Done,
Tom. Be Thou at Peace!"
'46 Memorial Project and his wife, Jean
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