<p>
<em>John Colford Daly, Jr</em>., was born at Ft. Leavenworth, KS, in 1932 to John, Sr., and Carolyn Daly. John, Jr., spent his youth moving from post to post with his family, including two years in Nanking, China, immediately after WWII. In 1951, John graduated from Episcopal High School, in Alexandria, VA. With a presidential appointment, John entered USMA in July 1951 with the Class of ‘55.</p>
<p>
Assigned to Company E-l, John took to academics with ease. John will be long remembered for his constant conflict with the Tactical Department over his “Monster”—his home-built radio. His main interests were debating with the West Point Forum, printing with the Photo Club, and working on the <i>Howitzer</i>. This “Army brat,” who called Washington, DC, his home, dragged some of the “pro-est” of femmes.</p>
<p>
Following graduation in 1955, John entered the Air Force and was assigned to Moore AFB, in Mission, TX, for Primary Pilot Training. In addition to completing the academic course of instruction, John accumulated 130 hours of flying. His instructor had the following words to say about John: “2LT Daly is honest in his desire to be a model Air Force officer. His resourcefulness and cooperation are far above average. His judgement, though always sound, is sometimes slow in being arrived at. I am sure that, with time and experience, he will be one of the better officers.”</p>
<p>
After completing Primary Pilot Training, John was assigned to Basic Pilot Training at Greenville AFB, MS. In addition to completing the academic training, John accumulated an additional 216 hours of flight training. John completed the entire course required to be given his wings. His instructor had the following words to say about John: “2LT Daly’s attitude during his training at this base has been good. He accepts any assigned task and completes it in the shortest possible time. He has definite leadership ability and is active in extra-curricular activities.”</p>
<p>
On 13 Aug 1956, the night before John was to realize his life’s dream—the receipt of his U.S. Air Force Pilot Wings—he was killed in a one-car automobile accident three miles from Greenville AFB, MS. The Basic Pilot Class 56-T, including many of his West Point classmates, attended a memorial service for John at the Base Chapel just before receiving their wings. John was awarded his pilot rating posthumously. On 17 Aug 1956, John was interred in Arlington National Cemetery.</p>
<p>
John, after so many years, your classmates having completed their military service that your early death prevented, we can only think of the many great accomplishments you could have made for this nation. We remember you for your friendship and good humor, combined with your sincere honesty. Rest well, John. We know you now have your wings.</p>