Wayne Manford Dozier

West Point, 1951

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Jose Andres "Andy" Chacon on August 28, 2004:

Wayne Manford Dozier Born July 15, 1928 - Died April 2, 1996 Wayne Manford Dozier was born in Taylorville, Illinois on 15 July 1928 and was appointed to West Point from the 21st Congressional District. His West Point classmates recall: "Sincere purpose and ability to see clearly his objective has spelled for Wayne four years of jobs well done. A couple of late buses meant some bouts with the T. D. A confirmed liberal-artist, relations along Tenth Avenue were trying at times. But, there was always time for a bull session, a new book, a game of bridge. We see many a new success for a good friend, a fine leader." During his cadet days Wayne was on the Pointer Staff and with the Chapel Choir plebe and yearling years; on the Howitzer Staff yearling, cow and first class years; on the Honor Committee cow and first class years; played Goat Football cow year; was a Chapel Usher, on the Debate Council, and with the Forum first class year; and was a Cadet Lieutenant his first class year. Upon graduation Wayne went in the Air Force and after flying training reported to the 4th Flight Wing in Korea; served from 1952 to 1953 and was decorated with the Distinguished Flying Cross for distinguished heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight and two Air Medals for meritorious achievement beyond that normally expected, while participating in aerial flight. Next Wayne was assigned to the 31st Strategic Fighter Wing where he served from 1953 to 1957 when he was selected as an exchange pilot and assigned to the United States Marines with Marine Aviation Group assigned to the 32nd VMF Squadron 122 from 1957 to 1959. Wayne's next assignment was to Headquarters, Air Force in Europe where he served from 1959 to 1961 and on return to stateside went with the 401st Tactical Fighter Wing from 1961 to 1964. The latter part of 1964 Wayne served at Headquarters, 2nd Armored Division, Vietnam North West Saigon. In 1965 Wayne attended the Armed Forces Staff College, Norfolk, Virginia and on completion was assigned to Headquarters, United States Air Force where he served from 1965 to 1969. Next Wayne returned to the 31st Tactical Fighter Wing at Vietnam North West and served until 1970. Wayne's last military assignment was to Headquarters, 9th Air Force, Tactical Air Command where he served until 1974 when he retired from the United States Air Force as a Lieutenant Colonel. Wayne and his wife Joyce made their home in Pierre (pronounced Peer in those parts), South Dakota where Joyce still resides. Click to find out what makes Fly Boys tick Air Force Values ufa

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