I met Tom on a trip to Normandy in 1999. I enjoyed the 2 weeks I spent with him and Bill True. Both great Americans.

I was a producer on the documentary, "North Carolina's World War II Experience" (UNCTV), which featured Tom Alley.  Our crew spent an entire afternoon with him - hearing some of his many stories from the frontlines of history.  In that short time, we learned so much and were grateful for his willingness to share what were often, painful and personal memories.  Tom Alley was a true hero - a man who left home to fight for freedom simply because it was the right thing to do.  We mourn his loss.  The world is a better place because of him.

they had shrubs and trees, talking, dancing ones even. they had pavement and parking lot. steeples and playgrounds. they walked and they walked and they walked. they read the paper. they watched television, from soaps to fantasies to the news to mysteries. they had encyclopedias and magazines. they had green beans fresh and snapped and soaking. oatmeal and oatmeal pies. grilled cheese and banana and peanut butter sandwiches. they talked. they talked alot. they talked about wind and rain. about mountains and prairies and snow and sneezes. about people and places. about the town and about the beach. about the doughnut shops and the hospitals. about the doctors and about the journalists. about friends and about family. and they talked about him all the time. grandmother and grandson talking about grandpa. from dawn till dusk, from dusk till dawn. forever.

I met Mr. Alley in my travel business years ago.

After hearing of his experience in World War II I asked him to speak at my son's scout troop, which he promptly and graciously accepted. 

Although many of the young scouts that heard him that evening don't remember many details, they all remember his German Lugar. I am so glad he shared himself with us that evening. 

Many of you know he fought in some of the war's most horrific battles. He was one of the first men to land in France, behind enemy lines, on D-Day. And he was in the middle of the Battle of the Bulge in Bastogne. He was on the front lines most of the war. A man who serves his country like that deserves our admiration.

What I found most amazing was that he put those gruesome memories aside, came home and enjoyed a wonderfully successful life.

His life is a terrific example for all men.

My son Jed and I extend our most heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. 

–Ed Sander IV

I met Mr. Alley in my travel business years ago.

After hearing of his experience in World War II I asked him to speak at my son's scout troop, which he promptly and graciously accepted. 

Although many of the young scouts that heard him that evening don't remember many details, all remember his German Lugar. I am so glad he shared himself with us that evening. 

Many of you know he fought in some of the war's most horrific battles. He was one of the first men to land in France, behind enemy lines, on D-Day. And he was in the middle of the Battle of the Bulge in Bastogne. He was on the front lines most of the war. A man who serves his country like that deserves our admiration.

What I found most amazing was that he put those gruesome memories aside, came home and enjoyed a wonderfully successful life.

His life is a terrific example for all men.

My son Jed and I extend our most heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. 

–Ed Sander IV

We are so sorry for your loss. Herman was a true hero.

Dear Tom, Kim and Lauren,
Our sincere sympathies on your loss. It sounds like your father and grandfather was an extraordinary man. Our thoughts and prayers and with you and your family.

Similar to David Finlon (who posted earlier) I met Herman several years ago in the context of a playing cards together.  He was, perhaps, the classiest gentlemen it has been my privelege to know.  Disarmingly modest, gracious to a fault and voracious in his enjoyment of life, I only wish I had had more opportunities to know him on a personal level.  My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones on the loss of such a wonderful man.

I knew Herman from his days as a developer and considered him one of the finest men I have ever known.  He was always very nice to me and always with a kind word about others.

He was a true hero as a member of the greatest generation.  We can be thankful that he survived WWII to touch so many lives by his presence.  We will all miss him.  Condolences to his family.

Mr. Alley was a true hero and gentleman.  It was an honor to know him and a privilege to participate in his medical care.  I will deeply miss him.  My thoughts are with his family.  Sincerely, Charlotte Karriker, MD, First Charlotte Physicians Matthews.

I knew Herman for the last 10 years of his life.   I regret that I did not have the opportunity to meet him sooner as I consider him one of the finest people I have ever known.  I was introduced to him at the "Lenny game" poker game at  the Colony Apartments sometime in 2002.   I played cards with him almost every week up until shortly before his passing.  In the last couple of years, my wife, Lynn, and I started to play bridge with Herman and Susan on a regular basis.   Through all of the card playing I did with Herman, he earned the affectionate nickname of "The Hermaninator" from his aggressive style of play.  In addition to the card playing I did with Herman in Charlotte, I went on a number of trips with Herman and another friend, Gordon Alford, to Atlantic City.  Between runs at the black jack tables, the three of us would sit in the lounge over cold bottles of Heineken (which Herman loved) and the talk almost always turned to war stories.   Gordon and I would sit in amazed silence as Herman took us through his many adventures in the horror of war, always in Herman's modest style. I know he was very proud of his service to his country during WWII and very much enjoyed reunions and other events that allowed him to see his war buddies.  I feel absolutely privileged to have been able to count Herman as a good friend.   My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this sad time for all.

Mr. Alley was a true hero and gentleman.  It was an honor to know him and a privilege to participate in his medical care.  I will deeply miss him. My thoughts are with his family.  Sincerely, Charlotte Karriker, MD, First Charlotte Physicians Matthews.

Dear Ron and Donna,

Although I never had the honor of meeting Mr. Alley, I felt as though I knew him through your stories and wonderful recollections of him. 

I know he touched your lives in many ways that very few people can. 

He was truly a member of that Greatest Generation to whom we all owe so much.

My sincerest condolences to both of you and all the members of your families.

Love,
Jim

OBITUARY

Thomas Herman Alley Jr.

25 May, 1922 – 18 January, 2012

McEwen Funeral Home & Cremation @ Myers Park

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