Thomas Gayle Bowen

COLONEL THOMAS GAYLE BOWEN
U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 1959 | "The First Class"
Cadet Squadron 8

EARLY LIFE AND ACADEMY YEARS
Thomas Gayle "Tom" Bowen was born on April 23, 1936, in Decatur, Georgia. A "barefoot Georgia boy" and former member of the Georgia Air National Guard, Tom arrived at the newly established United States Air Force Academy as a member of the pioneer Class of 1959. During his time at the Academy, he was a member of Cadet Squadron 8. He was known by his classmates for his athleticism—specifically a legendary trampoline routine—and a quiet, thoughtful nature that earned him respect across the wing. On June 3, 1959, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Military Science, Commissioned as a second lieutenant in the first-ever graduating class.

MILITARY SERVICE AND CAREER
Colonel Bowen’s 27-year career was marked by its incredible versatility, spanning the worlds of rotary-wing aviation, flight testing, and strategic missile command.

• Aviation & Vietnam Era: After earning his wings at Craig AFB and undergoing helicopter training at Stead AFB, Tom served as a helicopter pilot at Mountain Home AFB. His skill in the cockpit led him to the prestigious U.S. Naval Test Pilot School at Patuxent River (Class 54), where he transitioned into the world of experimental flight. He served as a Helicopter Test Pilot at the 6511th Test Group, pushing the limits of rotary-wing capabilities.

• Strategic Reconnaissance & Missile Command: In the 1970s, his career shifted toward high-stakes strategic missions. He served with the 350th Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron at Davis-Monthan AFB, a unit vital to national intelligence during the Cold War.

• Leading the "Gryphons": The pinnacle of his command came in the early 1980s. After serving as the Test Director for the Ground Launched Cruise Missile (GLCM) at Dugway Proving Ground, he was selected as the Commander of the 487th Tactical Missile Wing at Comiso Air Station, Italy. Under his leadership, the wing stood up the first GLCM "Gryphon" missiles in Sicily, a critical nuclear deterrent that played a direct role in the eventual signing of the INF Treaty and the thawing of the Cold War.

Colonel Bowen’s command of the 487th Tactical Missile Wing during the height of the 1980s ‘Euro-missile’ crisis remains a highlight of his career. Tasked with standing up a nuclear-capable wing amidst significant political protest and intense international scrutiny, his leadership at Comiso Air Station was a vital contribution to the NATO deterrent that ultimately brought an end to the Cold War.

AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Colonel Bowen’s distinguished service was recognized with numerous high-level decorations, including:
• Legion of Merit (with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster)
• Distinguished Flying Cross
• Bronze Star Medal
• Meritorious Service Medal (with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster)
• Air Medal
• Air Force Commendation Medal (with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster)

LIFE AFTER THE UNIFORM
Upon retiring in 1985, Tom returned to Tucson, Arizona, a place he had grown to love during his time at Davis-Monthan. He spent 22 years in retirement, remaining an active and proud member of the "First Class" community. He was a devoted husband to his wife, Sheilah, for 48 years, and a father to three daughters: Deborah, Lynn, and Kelly.

Colonel Bowen passed away on June 21, 2007, and was returned to the United States Air Force Academy Cemetery, where he rests among his fellow pioneers of the Long Blue Line.