View source for THOMAS D. MOORE, JR., MAJ, USAF

{{KeyDates|DoB=July 4, 1929|DoD=November 30, 1967|Age=38|name_class=Thomas Moore, Jr. '55}}

{{LuckyBag|LBLink=https://archive.org/details/luckybag1955unse|class=1955
|picture=1955 Moore LB.jpg
|LBName=THOMAS DEWEY MOORE, JR.
|LBHometown=Del Rio, Texas
|LBText=Tom made the long trip from the Rio Grande to the Severn by way of Texas University and the Fleet. Once here, he sailed into academics and athletics in true Texas style. Both fields were easily conquered, and he was equally proud of his stars and championship numerals. Tom's easy going attitude and level head kept him smiling despite the problems of his Hop Committee Chairmanship and made him well liked and admired by all. Already a licensed private pilot, he hopes to do some flying while in the service.
|LBOther=He was also a member of the 1st Company staff (winter).}}

== Loss ==
Thomas was lost on November 30, 1967 when the transport aircraft he was piloting crashed near Cam Rahn Bay, South Vietnam. He was a member of the 483rd Tactical Airlift Wing, 458th Tactical Airlift Squadron.

== Other Information ==
From the March 1968 issue of ''Shipmate'':
<blockquote>
Maj. Moore was born in Del Rio, Tex., and enlisted in the Navy prior to entering the Naval Academy, from where he was graduated in 1955. He was Company Commander of the First Company and selected by ''Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities.'' He later received a Master's degree in electrical engineering at Stanford University.

He had served at Moore Air Force Base, Ellington Air Force Base, Reese Air Force Base, and at the Air Force Academy from 1961-67. He had taught physics, electrical engineering and was responsible for establishing the computerized grade and curriculum program now in effect at the Academy.

He is survived by his widow Barbara, and two sons, Thomas D. Moore, III, and Scott P., and a daughter, Barbara Jean, of 902 Fuller Drive, Colorado Springs; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. T. D. Moore of 217 Central St., Del Rio, Tx. 78840, and a sister, Mrs. Lonnie Marshall of Los Angeles, Calif.
</blockquote>

From [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/17921897 Find A Grave:]
<blockquote>
A C-7B Caribou (tail number 62-4175) crashed during a routine air transport flight in South Vietnam. As the aircraft approached Qui Nhon the pilot was advised that the weather at the airfield had fallen below safety minimal. 

He replied that he would proceed to Nha Trang where the weather was better but the aircraft hit a mountain at 1,850 feet about five miles south of Qui Nhon. The weather at the time consisted of low cloud and rain that reduced visibility to about two miles. 

The four crew and 22 passengers, including two US civilians, were killed in the accident. 
</blockquote>

Tom was the pilot of the aircraft, and [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/17921897 is buried in] the US Air Force Academy cemetery. 

He was married to Barbara E. Moore; his daughter was Barbara Moore; his sons were Thomas D. Moore III and Scott P. Moore, all of Colorado Springs, Colo. Parents: Father, Thomas D. Moore, Sr. of Del Rio, Texas and Mother, Rachel L. Moore also of Del Rio, Texas.

== Photographs ==
<gallery mode=packed heights=350px style="text-align:left">
File:1955 Moore LB 2.jpg|From the Lucky Bag
File:1955 Moore 1.jpg|From the March 1968 issue of ''Shipmate''.
</gallery>

== Remembrances ==
From [http://www.vvmf.org/Wall-of-Faces/34965/THOMAS-D-MOORE-JR Wall of Faces:]
<blockquote>
3 of us lived on the same block. We went to Vietnam. I came back, you and Larry Tatum didn't. Our kids grew up together and I took yours to the rodeo. They should have been able to go with you.
<cite>BOB DUNHAM, JHAWK32@MYWAY.COM, 3/22/04</cite>
</blockquote>

== Memorials ==
Tom is among those names on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. As his loss was not due directly to hostile action, though, he does not appear in the Vietnam War section of the Killed In Action panel in Memorial Hall.

== Related Articles ==
[[DONALD L. RISSI, LTCOL, USAF|Donald Rissi '55]] was also in 1st Company.

{{ClassNav|PAGE_ID={{PAGEID}}|Name=Thomas|ClassYear=1955|PreviousPersonLink=JAMES L. GRIFFIN, CDR, USN|PreviousPersonName=James Griffin '55|NextPersonLink=JOHN L. MCELROY, MAJ, USAF|NextPersonName=John McElroy '55}}

[[Category:1955|Moore]]
[[Category:USNA 1st Company|Moore]]
[[Category:US Air Force|Moore]]
[[Category:Operational loss|Moore]]
[[Category:Vietnam|Moore]]
[[Category:Fixed Wing|Moore]]
[[Category:458th Tactical Airlift Squadron|Moore]]