Thomas Graham '41
Date of birth: December 28, 1917
Date of death: January 27, 1945
Age: 27
Lucky Bag
From the 1941 Lucky Bag:
THOMAS HARDY GRAHAM
Farmville, Virginia
"T. H." was born in Kenbridge, Virginia, and ever since then has been stopping the clock with his lengthy drawl. At three he saw a sound movie entitled "Annapolis Forever" or the "Rover Boys on the Severn" and he then immediately decided to become a genuine tar. His cheery pan netted him the presidency of his freshman class. The first year, of the two, he spent acquiring knowledge at the University of Richmond. The second he spent tearing down the reputation of Phi Kappa Sigma. His greatest hobbies are a lively game of cards, sub squad, or a drill on his "Beauty Rest." He miraculously escapes reports, never writes letters but receives plenty of mail, and thus leads a happy life. It may be said that, excepting the cruise, "T. H." didn't fully appreciate youngster year, but second class summer brought a new light into his life and sold him on the Navy for good. Taking a keen interest in everything nautical and with a quick smile and winning personality, Tom will go a long way.
Football 4, 3, 2, 1 NA; Hop Committee
The Class of 1941 was the first of the wartime-accelerated classes, graduating in February 1941.
Loss
Thomas died in a plane crash while in flight training in Iowa. A Virginia War Memorial lists his death near Ottumwa, IA.
Thomas' two brothers, Samuel and Louis Graham, also served in the Navy during World War II. His brother, LT Samuel Lyle Graham III, was severely wounded during the war.
Thomas is buried in Westview Cemetery, in Farmville, VA.
Other
The VFW post in Farmville, VA is named after Thomas.
Class of 1941
Thomas is one of 60 members of the Class of 1941 in Memorial Hall.
