Thomas James Durfee

West Point, 1964

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Dana Lynn Durfee on January 17, 2022:

"My Father" Saw the light of day on 28th of May 1941 in Orange County, New York, known for USMA. My father, was the 3rd generation to follow in the footsteps of the Long Grey Line. Although, he had a total of six family members in the Military, only three went to the academy. USMA Starting with his grandfather the late Brigadier General "Lucius Lloyd Durfee" graduated in 1886 with General John J. Pershing. Married Fannie Morris Van Horne, the first white child born in the Dakotas. Her father was Brigadier General William A. Van Horne. He fought in the Civil War in Terry's command at the time it was assigned to duty with Custer. Due to Custer's impatience and reluctance to wait for Terry's support, my great-grandfather escaped the massacre. The long Grey line continues with his father COL Donald Linscott Durfee C/O 1934 He was a typical Army brat, moving to various stations including Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. My grandfather was assigned to West Point as a Portuguese instructor from 1940-1944. The following year he was in Heidelberg, Germany with Hdqtrs. 7th Army returning from Europe in 1946. Next came Attache duty in Rio de Janeiro for two years and to Ft. Dix. NJ as Commanding Officer. 1st Bn, 365th Infantry Regiment. My grandfather continued his tours until his retirement. He passed away in 1984 Thomas James Durfee C/O 1964 Howitzers 1964 Wilcox project Tom became an Airborne Ranger immediately following graduation from West Point and then proceeded to join the Army Signal Corps. He was a decorated Vietnam Veteran in for different Counteroffensive phases, including the 1969 Tet Counteroffensive. He was a talented Linguist and for a time was a Foreign Language Instructor Although, my family has had prolific time in at West Point. His career spanned assignments in Vietnam, Brazil (where I was born), South Korea, Germany and finally in Tampa. Where he retired in 1988. We can not forget My Uncle David L Durfee C/O 1963 The Black Sheep! USNA Even though he did not follow the traditional Long Grey Line. He did add some excitement to the family.. "Go Army, Beat Navy" So as the Long Grey Line has come to a halt! I can say my father's life and legacy as a soldier, father, husband, and friend will live on.. Honor Duty Service, we thank you for your service.

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