U.S. Naval Academy

Incoming midshipmen were instructed to arrive with a short, regulation haircut but Tom showed up with a beard and hair down to his shoulders. It didn't last long, but his fame did. All the way through Plebe Year. Tom was assigned to the 30th Company, the best-looking men in the Brigade. You saw their picture on the front page of this website. Go look again; you'll enjoy it.

After Plebe Year, Tom cruised on the USS Hamner.

Tom had nothing to do with the Hamner's demise. Probably.

First Class summer was spent on the USS Kennedy. Shortly after, Tom elected to fly land-based aircraft. Good call.

In the fall of his senior year, the Academy coughed up money for some flying lessons in this big hog.

Fortunately, it was only a few hours. Better things awaited in Pensacola.