Dyess, Wm. E. (William Edwin), 1916-1943

Military pilot, former prisoner of war, war hero. Born in 1916 in Albany, Texas, Dyess graduated from Tarleton Agricultural College at Stephenville, Texas in 1936, and then entered U.S. Army Air Force Air Cadet Training. Served as commander of the 21st Pursuit Squadron in the Phillipines during World War II, was captured by the Japanese in the Battle of Bataan, survived the "Bataan Death March," and escaped after 361 days of imprisonment. Awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the Silver Star, the Legion of Merit, and recommended for the Congressional Medal of Honor. Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene, Texas, is named in his honor. Died December 22, 1943, in a plane crash in California.

From the description of Papers, 1916-1975, 1932-1976. (Texas Tech University). WorldCat record id: 23735964