Thomas Martin Seymour was the son of Victor Francis and Florence L. Mc Govern Seymour. He was born in Dubuque, Iowa on September 27, 1916. He had four sisters. Victor his father worked as a collector for the Herald newspaper. Thomas’ grandfather, was born in England.

Thomas attended St. Anthony’s and then graduated 1934 from Loras Academy.

He received a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1938 from Loras College. With a major in math and a minor in physics. During his college years, Thomas was a member of the band and on the staff of the newspapers.

During his college summers, Thomas Seymour attended CMTC Camp in Des Moines, Ia. In 1936 he was commissioned as a 2nd LT in the reserves.

After enlisting in the Army Air Force in 1939 in Des Moines, Iowa, he was sent to Spartan Aeronautical School, Tulsa, Oklahoma for training. Following completion of the three month course he was transferred to Randolph Field, TX and the on to Kelly Air Field.

Thomas Martin Seymour was received his fighter pilot wings and was commissioned a 2nd LT in the Army on March 23, 1940.

2nd LT Seymour was an instructor at Kelly Airfield for a few months before being sent Mitchel Air Field, Florida for instruction on two-motor bombers.

After completion of training 2nd LT Seymour in November 1940, he transferred to Langley Airfield where he completed further study.

From Spring of 1941 till the winter of 1943 he served in various positions -flight instructor, operations, officer, test pilot, group operations officer at bases in Miss. , LA, Ohio, CA, Florida

After his promotion to Major. He joined the 387th Bombardment Group. They arrived in England July 1943.

In March 1944, Major Thomas M Seymour was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for completing twenty-five combat missions over the coast of France.

The death of LT Col. Seymour was a non battle fatal crash of the plane he was piloting. The plane appeared to be flying with just one engine on a return flight to the base. The plane hit a tree killing Col. Seymour and injuring the others aboard.

The final resting place of honor for LT Col. Thomas Martin Seymour is in the Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia. Interment was held on June 23, 1948.

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Sources:

Find A Grave

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/49312198/thomas-martin-seymour

Distinguished Flying Cross

https://www.fold3.com/image/713467424

Thomas M. Seymour

https://www.b26.com/marauderman/thomas_m._seymour.htm

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