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Thomas Michael Dykers, Sr. (December 3, 1905 – June 13, 1975) was a submarine commander during World War II who reached the rank of Rear Admiral in the United States Navy. He was also a writer and Television producer. He produced and narrated the 1957–58 TV series The Silent Service.[7]
Thomas Michael Dykers | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | December 3, 1905 New Orleans, LA |
| Died | June 13, 1975 (aged 69) New Orleans, LA |
| Buried | Cypress Grove Cemetery, New Orleans |
| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service |  United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1923–1949 [1] |
| Rank |  Rear Admiral |
| Commands | USS S-35 (SS-140)[2][3] USS Jack (SS-259) [4] Submarine Division 282 [5] Submarine Division 104 [5] |
| Battles / wars | World War II |
| Awards |  Navy Cross (2) [6]  Silver Star Bronze Star[6] |
| Spouse(s) | Margaret Frances Tydings [6] |
| Other work | The Silent Service (TV series) |
Early life
editDykers was born in 1905 to Reginald and Phoebe Alberta Dykers (née Hall) in New Orleans, Louisiana. He began his education at Tulane University, where he became a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. The following year he transferred to The United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, and graduated in 1927.[6]
Junior officer
editAfter graduating from Annapolis, Dykers served onboard the USS Memphis. In 1930 Dykers had completed a course in chemical warfare and was assigned to the USS Bulmer.[8] In 1931 Dykers completed a submarine course in New London, Connecticut, and was subsequently assigned to the USS S-15 (SS-120).[9] In 1934 Dykers completed a submarine commanders course while still assigned to the USS S-15.[10] In 1935 and 1936 Dykers was assigned to the Georgia School of Technology (now the Georgia Institute of Technology) R.O.T.C. where he completed the Naval War College Correspondence Course.[11] In 1937 Dykers was assigned to the USS S-25 (SS-130).[12] In 1938 Dykers took command of the USS S-35 (SS-140).[13]
World War II
editDykers took command of the USS Jack in 1942, as her first commanding officer. The USS Jack subsequently sank eight Japanese ships, and the Navy highly decorated Dykers for his service.[6]
Later career
editIn 1949 Rear Admiral Dykers retired from the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations and moved to California. There he became a technical advisor for the film industry, aiding in films such as The Flying Missile, Submarine Command, and Torpedo Alley.[7] He later produced and narrated the 1957–58 TV series The Silent Service.[7]
References
edit- ^ "Service Conducted For Sailor, Writer". Cumberland, Maryland: Cumberland Evening Times. 17 June 1975. p. 2. Retrieved 21 September 2016.
- ^ a b "Submarine Division Commanders". imdb.com.
- ^ a b c d e "Thomas Dykers Obituary, 23 Sep 1975, The Houston Post" (PDF). navsource.org.
- ^ a b c "Thomas M. Dykers". imdb.com.
- ^ Register of Commissioned and Warrant Officers of the United States Navy and Marine Corps. Washington DC: Government Printing Office. 1 July 1930.
- ^ Register of Commissioned and Warrant Officers of the United States Navy and Marine Corps. Washington DC: Government Printing Office. 1 July 1932.
- ^ Register of Commissioned and Warrant Officers of the United States Navy and Marine Corps. Washington DC: Government Printing Office. 1 July 1934. Archived from the original on 28 July 2016.
- ^ Register of Commissioned and Warrant Officers of the United States Navy and Marine Corps. Washington DC: Government Printing Office. 1 July 1936. Archived from the original on 2 August 2016.
- ^ Register of Commissioned and Warrant Officers of the United States Navy and Marine Corps. Washington DC: Government Printing Office. 1 July 1937. Archived from the original on 28 July 2016.
- ^ Register of Commissioned and Warrant Officers of the United States Navy and Marine Corps. Washington DC: Government Printing Office. 1 July 1938. Archived from the original on 29 July 2016.