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16161 Daye, Thomas Maldwyn
October 14, 1922 - June 12, 1997

usma1946-E1

 

 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.

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

Personal Eulogy

deceased

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