USAF Col. Thomas C. Hyde

Col Thomas C. Hyde, USAF (Ret.), age 90, passed away June 8, 2009. He was born November 27, 1918, in Milam, Missouri, to George and Katherine Hyde. Tom joined the Civilian Conservation Corps, CCC, in 1937, as Assistant Educational Advisor and taught men how to read or write who did not know how. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps on May 24, 1939, and was promoted to First Sergeant April 4, 1941. He applied for admittance to the Officer Candidate School, was accepted and graduated May 24, 1942. Tom was promoted to First Lieutenant and his first assignment was to teach men who had washed out of pilot training and men who had been given a Commission, but no military training. Tom developed a program to get them in good physical condition and teach them more about protecting facilities, how to salute, and preparing them for overseas duty. He established the training program for all Officers. Tom promoted to Captain and transferred to New York City to help set up the Aerial Port of Embarkation and developed the necessary procedures, forms, etc. to get the organization going. The job was to receive all persons traveling overseas and to see that they had quarters or hotel accommodations, passports, identification card, clothing, shots, equipment, orders, etc. Tom processed VIPS, actors, actresses, USO shows, such as Bob Hope, Johnny Garfield, Marlene Dietrich, Diplomats, senior military officers of all branches, scientists, agents, air crew members, and individuals who were needed overseas quickly. Tom was promoted and helped set up USAF Security Services and is in the Hall of Fame. He served in WWII, Korean War and the Vietnam War. Tom had commands all over the world and retired in September 1971, after 30 years, as a full Colonel. On military bases Tom organized the recreation programs he felt were good for the men: golf, swimming, tennis, baseball, football, and basketball between squadrons. Tom was very active with his church, was a 33 degree Mason, was also a Shiner and loved working with children. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Grace E. Strater Hyde; sister, Ruth Barnes; and brother, Phillip Hyde. Tom is survived by three sisters; one brother; two daughters; one son; eight grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.No flowers please, make a donation to the Alzheimer's Association, 7400 Louis Pasteur Dr., Ste. 200, San Antonio, Texas 78229.