THOMAS R. DOYLE, LT, USN

Thomas Doyle '81

Date of birth: October 30, 1959

Date of death: August 21, 1984

Age: 24

Lucky Bag

From the 1981 Lucky Bag:

Thomas R. Doyle

Woodland Hills, California

Tommy ‘OTR' Doyle, the Preacher – President, the conscience of the Brigade, the speaker of the Liberal Manifesto from Woodland Hills, California. Every night, between running and calling various blonde and brunette states of the Union, Tom would ponder his fate as a Mech-E (closet bull major) and invariably spew the words, "They're gonna blow my sh-t away!" Tommy was torn between USNA and Notre Dame when choosing a college, so he took the cheap alternative and still claims to be a Fighting Irish at heart (as long as their football team is winning). Tommy continued his love for football at USNA by trying to overcome his shortness as QB on the company and batt. gridiron. To become a pilot, Tommy had to stay in shape, so he took up running marathons and semi-annual dirty laundry wrestling. Anyone who meets him likes him, anyone who talks to him argues with him, and anyone who knows him respects him and proudly calls Tom a friend. Good night, Irene.

Thomas R. Doyle

Woodland Hills, California

Tommy ‘OTR' Doyle, the Preacher – President, the conscience of the Brigade, the speaker of the Liberal Manifesto from Woodland Hills, California. Every night, between running and calling various blonde and brunette states of the Union, Tom would ponder his fate as a Mech-E (closet bull major) and invariably spew the words, "They're gonna blow my sh-t away!" Tommy was torn between USNA and Notre Dame when choosing a college, so he took the cheap alternative and still claims to be a Fighting Irish at heart (as long as their football team is winning). Tommy continued his love for football at USNA by trying to overcome his shortness as QB on the company and batt. gridiron. To become a pilot, Tommy had to stay in shape, so he took up running marathons and semi-annual dirty laundry wrestling. Anyone who meets him likes him, anyone who talks to him argues with him, and anyone who knows him respects him and proudly calls Tom a friend. Good night, Irene.

Loss

Thomas was killed when the A-7 Corsair II he was piloting struck the ramp on landing approach to USS Midway (CV 41) on August 21, 1984.

Other Information

From researcher Kathy Franz: "Thomas graduated in 1977 from William H. Taft High School, Woodland Hills, CA. He played quarterback and second base."

From the December 1984 issue of Shipmate:

Lt. Thomas Richard Doyle USN was lost at sea in an aircraft accident on 21 August 1984 while operating from USS MIDWAY (CV-41) in the East China Sea. Memorial services were held on board MIDWAY on 26 August and in Woodland Hills, California, on 27 August.
The son of Cdr. and Mrs. James P . Doyle USN (Ret.), he was born in Bethesda, Maryland, and reared in Southern California. Upon graduation from high school he received a Presidential appointment to the Naval Academy and was graduated with the Class of 1981. A mechanical engineering major, he was active in intramural sports and was Color Company Commander in his first class year.
Following graduation he reported to Pensacola, Florida, for flight training and was designated Naval Aviator in April 1983. Upon completion of A-7E replacement training with Attack Squadron 122 in Lemoore, California, he reported to Attack Squadron 56, permanently deployed on board MIDWAY in Yokosuka, Japan.
He was a life member of the Naval Academy Alumni Association.
He is survived by his parents, 5135 Kelvin Avenue, Woodland Hills CA 91364; two brothers and three sisters. One brother, LCdr. Patrick R. Doyle USN '72 is serving in the same squadron. The family has requested that expressions of sympathy be made to the Lt. Thomas R. Doyle Memorial Fund in care of the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association, 247 King George St., Annapolis MD 21402.

Thomas is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.