Tommy W. Gordon
Preferred Name: Tommy W.
Nickname/Call Sign:
Date of Birth: November 16, 1928 (February 21, 2016)
Highest Military Grade Held: Major
Hometown: Bessemer, AL
Biography
Years Of Service in the USAF: Aug 1952- March 1974
Retired Teammate of McDonnell Douglas with 13 years of service in January 1991. Current member of the Gateway Senior Squadron, Missouri Wing of the Civil Air Patrol since 1982 serving in the Rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Current in the Cessna 172 Aircraft with over 7100 total flight hours
Units Assigned
- 1958, 1965 Luke AFB, AZ
- 1966 492nd Tactical Fighter Squadron/48th Tactical Fighter Wing, Lakenheath RAF, England
- 1969 90th Tactical Fighter Squadron/3rd Tactical Fighter Wing, Bien Hoa AB, Vietnam
Awards & Decorations
Distinguished Flying Cross
Air Medal
AF Commendation Medal,
National Defense Service Medal
Korean Service Medal
United Nations Medal
Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross
Vietnam Service Medal
Korean Service Medal
Air Force Cross
United Daughters of the Confederacy
Flight Info
F-100
Military Education
Civilian Education
BS/Mechanical Engineering, Auburn University
MS/Mechanical Engineering, Oklahoma University
Tommy W. Gordon, 87, was called home on Sunday February 21, 2016. He died peacefully in his sleep at Friendship Village in Chesterfield, MO. He leaves his beloved wife of 59 years, Jane Gordon; his daughter, son and five grandchildren.
Born and raised in Bessemer, AL, he attended Auburn University and received a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He was an accomplished swimmer and was a lifelong supporter of the Auburn swim team. He was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the Air Force to pursue his lifelong dream of flying.
Shortly after, he met and married the love of his life “Janie”. He then attended Oklahoma University where he received his Masters in Mechanical Engineering. Tommy spent 22 years in the Air Force traveling the world serving his country. During that time, he served two tours in Vietnam flying the F100. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the South Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, and the Air Medal seven times.
Upon retiring from the Air Force, he worked for The Boeing Corporation for 24 years. He was very involved with the Civil Air Patrol, the Auburn Club, his church, The American Legion, Gardening, and spending time with his family and grandchildren.
- Biography
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Biography
Years Of Service in the USAF: Aug 1952- March 1974
Retired Teammate of McDonnell Douglas with 13 years of service in January 1991. Current member of the Gateway Senior Squadron, Missouri Wing of the Civil Air Patrol since 1982 serving in the Rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Current in the Cessna 172 Aircraft with over 7100 total flight hours - Units - Education - Awards - Flight Info
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Units Assigned
- 1958, 1965 Luke AFB, AZ
- 1966 492nd Tactical Fighter Squadron/48th Tactical Fighter Wing, Lakenheath RAF, England
- 1969 90th Tactical Fighter Squadron/3rd Tactical Fighter Wing, Bien Hoa AB, Vietnam
Awards & Decorations
Distinguished Flying Cross
Air Medal
AF Commendation Medal,
National Defense Service Medal
Korean Service Medal
United Nations Medal
Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross
Vietnam Service Medal
Korean Service Medal
Air Force Cross
United Daughters of the ConfederacyFlight Info
F-100
Military Education
Civilian Education
BS/Mechanical Engineering, Auburn University
MS/Mechanical Engineering, Oklahoma University - Photos
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- Headed West
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Tommy W. Gordon, 87, was called home on Sunday February 21, 2016. He died peacefully in his sleep at Friendship Village in Chesterfield, MO. He leaves his beloved wife of 59 years, Jane Gordon; his daughter, son and five grandchildren.
Born and raised in Bessemer, AL, he attended Auburn University and received a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He was an accomplished swimmer and was a lifelong supporter of the Auburn swim team. He was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the Air Force to pursue his lifelong dream of flying.
Shortly after, he met and married the love of his life “Janie”. He then attended Oklahoma University where he received his Masters in Mechanical Engineering. Tommy spent 22 years in the Air Force traveling the world serving his country. During that time, he served two tours in Vietnam flying the F100. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the South Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, and the Air Medal seven times.
Upon retiring from the Air Force, he worked for The Boeing Corporation for 24 years. He was very involved with the Civil Air Patrol, the Auburn Club, his church, The American Legion, Gardening, and spending time with his family and grandchildren.