Thomas Edgar Wiley, a resilient World War II veteran who defied the odds of wartime challenges, passed away on January 17, 2024, at Ridgecrest Senior Living, McCandless, at the age of 100. Born in Columbus, Ohio, on June 23, 1923, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps on December 7, 1942, just a year after Pearl Harbor. Tom embarked on a remarkable journey as a B-17 pilot and was credited with 57 missions, one of which involved a mysterious bombing run in southern Germany. Surviving anti-aircraft shells and navigating through thunderhead clouds, Wiley's bomber emerged alone after passing through the perilous weather. Heading over the Alps, with fuel running low and no navigator, suddenly, over the plane’s intercom, came the command, “Pull up!” Immediately Tom pulled the plane up in a steep climb while applying full power to all four engines. A waist gunner shouted, “There are trees outside!” They were flying up the steep slope of a mountain! Clearing the top at over 16,000 feet, he resumed a slow downward glide. Tom landed safely and as the plane turned off the runway, the engines stopped. Out of gas! Every member of the crew all said that he had heard the command “Pull up!” over the plane’s intercom but no one admitted that he had yelled “Pull up!” But they all saw the leaves on the ball turret on the underside of the plane from the trees on the mountain.
Post-war, Tom married Mary Lillian Norman on October 24, 1945, in Haymarket, Virginia. They built a family together, living in Trumansburg, New York, and Gahanna, Ohio, before moving to Pittsburgh in 1960, joining U.S. Steel, and marketing the company's agricultural products for 22 years. Additionally, Tom served as an adult Boy Scout leader for over 25 years, leaving a lasting impact on young lives. He is survived by three children, James (Kristi) Wiley of Menlo Park, California, Janet Wiley, and John Wiley of Pittsburgh, two grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren. One son, Joseph Wiley, preceded him in death. After Mary's passing in 1999 due to complications of Parkinson's disease, Tom found love again with Joan Dawson, and they shared over two decades of companionship.
A man of few words about his wartime feats during his children’s upbringing, Tom later documented his life obsessively. His legacy lives on through the stories he shared and the resilience he exhibited in the face of adversity. A 2005 extended video interview of his career as a pilot may be viewed at youtu.be/7W9wvSAMYVU
A funeral service to honor Tom Wiley's remarkable life will be held at 11am on Monday, January 22, 2024, at Christ Episcopal Church. Tom will rest next to Mary at Mt. Royal Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to H.P. Brandt Funeral Home.
"In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Christ Church christchurchpgh.org or the Veterans Breakfast Club veteransbreakfast-club.org
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