Leo Tyrus (Ty) Gregory, 73, of Bonita Springs passed away Sunday Nov. 5, 2017 peacefully in the arms of his wife, surrounded by his daughter, brother and sister-in-law. The son of the late Leo and Lucy A. (Watson) Gregory, Ty was born in 1944 Gainesville, FL and was raised in Winter Haven. He and his wife have been residents of Bonita Springs for the past 17 years.
Ty launched his distinguished and wide-ranging professional career first as a trapeze artist with the Florida State University circus as well as the Al G. Kelly and Miller Brothers circus. He was a member of the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity.
After graduation Ty joined the United States Air Force. Lt Col (Ret) Gregory served his country for 23 years as a pilot, squadron commander, and one-time parachute tester. He flew combat missions over Vietnam, earning a Silver Star and two Distinguished Flying Crosses. After retiring from the Air Force he embarked on a 25-year career as a pilot for Southwest Airlines. He was deeply respected and his positive attitude, perseverance, kindness and sense of humor were pivotal in cementing the Southwest Airline culture.
In addition to his love for aviation, Ty was an avid outdoorsman. He served as Commodore of the local sailing club and was an active member for many years. In the summer, he took his passion for hiking, biking and golf to his beloved Colorado Mountains. Ty lived a rich life full of love and laughter he was a fighter who will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
Ty is survived by his beloved wife of 45 years, Gabriele D. (Naumann) Gregory; his loving children W. Thomas (Beth) Gregory of Portland, OR; Andrew L. (Melissa) Gregory of St. Petersburg, FL; and Anna G. (Tommy) Spann of Portland, OR; his brother William E. (Melody) Gregory of Lutz, FL and 5 beloved grandchildren, Abbey, Zach, Wil, Mila and Matilda.
A memorial service will be celebrated on Saturday, November 11, 2017 at 11:00 A.M. at Christus Victor Lutheran Church, 15600 Tamiami Trail N., Naples FL 34110. Burial with full military honors will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.
In Lieu of flowers please consider a donation to www.freedomwatersfoundation.org
Arrangements are being handled by Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home.
The following was written by John Schnobrich, a fellow Southwest Airlines Captain, who wrote it to request the fly by at his funeral:
Lt Col Leo 'Ty' Gregory
January1, 1944 – November 5, 2017
Lt Col Leo 'Ty' Gregory entered the United States Air Force immediately upon graduation from Florida State University in 1965. Upon graduation from UPT in 1966, Ty transitioned to F-4's and was assigned to the 4th TFW at Seymour Johnson AFB. While assigned to the 4th TFW Ty's squadron was deployed to Kunsan AFB, South Korea in response to the seizure of the U.S.S. Pueblo by North Korea. His deployment to South Korea ended in July 1968 and shortly after his return to Seymour Johnson AFB he received notification of reassignment to Southeast Asia.
In early 1969 Ty reported to the 8th TFW at Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand. The 8th TFW's primary mission was interdiction, Mig Cap and close air support. Ty rapidly gained mission experience and was selected to join an elite group within the 8th TFW, the Fast FAC (Forward Air Controller) operating under the call sign "Wolf" FAC. The Wolf FAC mission was to patrol the entire Ho Chi Minh Trail through Laos and North/South Vietnam looking for enemy movement of supplies and personnel from North to South Vietnam. When targets were found the Wolf called in fighter aircraft with air to ground munitions and directed the targets destruction. The mission required 4-5 hours airborne, at high speed and low altitude, placing the Wolf FAC under constant threat of enemy antiaircraft guns, Surface to Air missiles and MIGs.
On April 5, 1970 Ty's experience was severely tested. On a Wolf FAC mission Ty discovered several heavy trucks near Ban Karai Pass, close to the North Vietnam border, hiding under the jungle canopy. As he pulled up for a second pass, the Ban Karai Pass erupted in anti-aircraft fire and his aircraft sustained damage by a near miss from a 37mm shell. Ty righted his F-4, and in spite of his aircraft being damaged, he remained on target and began calling in fighter aircraft and directing them on target. After an hour and a half over the target Ty's aircraft was hit again, and with the target destroyed, Ty returned to Ubon and safely landed the badly damaged aircraft.
Ty was awarded the Silver Star for this mission. As the citation states, "By constantly disregarding the high threat to his life, Captain Gregory directed the destruction and damage of more than ten trucks and vast amounts of hostile supplies". What the citation doesn't say, is that Intelligence Reports the next day revealed that the trucks had been loaded with Surface to Air Missiles bound for South Vietnam. Had the SAM's been successfully deployed in the South, they would have seriously endangered US aircraft.
Ty completed his Southeast Asia tour a month later and reported to the 81st TFS at Hahn AFB, Germany. The 81st TFS was the first and only Wild Weasel Squadron in Europe and the mission resembled that of the Wolf FAC mission Ty had assumed in Ubon. On January 19, 1971 Ty was on a training mission at high altitude and in heavy weather when his pitot static system failed leaving his aircraft without flight guides, forcing Ty to eject. The high speed ejection caused catastrophic injuries and surgeons recommend amputation of his right leg. In typical Ty fashion he refused and put himself through extensive rehab, returning to the cockpit by April, 1971
Upon returning to the cockpit Ty was selected to attend the USAF Fighter Weapons School at Nellis AFB. From Nellis, Ty returned to the 81st TFS which had been moved to Spangdahlem AFB, Germany before being transferred to Headquarters Tactical Air Command at Langley AFB as TAC Program Manager for the new F-4G, Wild Weasel aircraft. In 1979 Ty left active duty and accepted an assignment with the Air Force Reserve flying the A-10 at Barksdale AFB, where he ultimately retired after serving as Squadron Commander of the 47th TFS.
Besides the Silver Star, Ty was also twice awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Contributor: Michael Morrissey (47598836
Ty launched his distinguished and wide-ranging professional career first as a trapeze artist with the Florida State University circus as well as the Al G. Kelly and Miller Brothers circus. He was a member of the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity.
After graduation Ty joined the United States Air Force. Lt Col (Ret) Gregory served his country for 23 years as a pilot, squadron commander, and one-time parachute tester. He flew combat missions over Vietnam, earning a Silver Star and two Distinguished Flying Crosses. After retiring from the Air Force he embarked on a 25-year career as a pilot for Southwest Airlines. He was deeply respected and his positive attitude, perseverance, kindness and sense of humor were pivotal in cementing the Southwest Airline culture.
In addition to his love for aviation, Ty was an avid outdoorsman. He served as Commodore of the local sailing club and was an active member for many years. In the summer, he took his passion for hiking, biking and golf to his beloved Colorado Mountains. Ty lived a rich life full of love and laughter he was a fighter who will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
Ty is survived by his beloved wife of 45 years, Gabriele D. (Naumann) Gregory; his loving children W. Thomas (Beth) Gregory of Portland, OR; Andrew L. (Melissa) Gregory of St. Petersburg, FL; and Anna G. (Tommy) Spann of Portland, OR; his brother William E. (Melody) Gregory of Lutz, FL and 5 beloved grandchildren, Abbey, Zach, Wil, Mila and Matilda.
A memorial service will be celebrated on Saturday, November 11, 2017 at 11:00 A.M. at Christus Victor Lutheran Church, 15600 Tamiami Trail N., Naples FL 34110. Burial with full military honors will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.
In Lieu of flowers please consider a donation to www.freedomwatersfoundation.org
Arrangements are being handled by Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home.
The following was written by John Schnobrich, a fellow Southwest Airlines Captain, who wrote it to request the fly by at his funeral:
Lt Col Leo 'Ty' Gregory
January1, 1944 – November 5, 2017
Lt Col Leo 'Ty' Gregory entered the United States Air Force immediately upon graduation from Florida State University in 1965. Upon graduation from UPT in 1966, Ty transitioned to F-4's and was assigned to the 4th TFW at Seymour Johnson AFB. While assigned to the 4th TFW Ty's squadron was deployed to Kunsan AFB, South Korea in response to the seizure of the U.S.S. Pueblo by North Korea. His deployment to South Korea ended in July 1968 and shortly after his return to Seymour Johnson AFB he received notification of reassignment to Southeast Asia.
In early 1969 Ty reported to the 8th TFW at Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand. The 8th TFW's primary mission was interdiction, Mig Cap and close air support. Ty rapidly gained mission experience and was selected to join an elite group within the 8th TFW, the Fast FAC (Forward Air Controller) operating under the call sign "Wolf" FAC. The Wolf FAC mission was to patrol the entire Ho Chi Minh Trail through Laos and North/South Vietnam looking for enemy movement of supplies and personnel from North to South Vietnam. When targets were found the Wolf called in fighter aircraft with air to ground munitions and directed the targets destruction. The mission required 4-5 hours airborne, at high speed and low altitude, placing the Wolf FAC under constant threat of enemy antiaircraft guns, Surface to Air missiles and MIGs.
On April 5, 1970 Ty's experience was severely tested. On a Wolf FAC mission Ty discovered several heavy trucks near Ban Karai Pass, close to the North Vietnam border, hiding under the jungle canopy. As he pulled up for a second pass, the Ban Karai Pass erupted in anti-aircraft fire and his aircraft sustained damage by a near miss from a 37mm shell. Ty righted his F-4, and in spite of his aircraft being damaged, he remained on target and began calling in fighter aircraft and directing them on target. After an hour and a half over the target Ty's aircraft was hit again, and with the target destroyed, Ty returned to Ubon and safely landed the badly damaged aircraft.
Ty was awarded the Silver Star for this mission. As the citation states, "By constantly disregarding the high threat to his life, Captain Gregory directed the destruction and damage of more than ten trucks and vast amounts of hostile supplies". What the citation doesn't say, is that Intelligence Reports the next day revealed that the trucks had been loaded with Surface to Air Missiles bound for South Vietnam. Had the SAM's been successfully deployed in the South, they would have seriously endangered US aircraft.
Ty completed his Southeast Asia tour a month later and reported to the 81st TFS at Hahn AFB, Germany. The 81st TFS was the first and only Wild Weasel Squadron in Europe and the mission resembled that of the Wolf FAC mission Ty had assumed in Ubon. On January 19, 1971 Ty was on a training mission at high altitude and in heavy weather when his pitot static system failed leaving his aircraft without flight guides, forcing Ty to eject. The high speed ejection caused catastrophic injuries and surgeons recommend amputation of his right leg. In typical Ty fashion he refused and put himself through extensive rehab, returning to the cockpit by April, 1971
Upon returning to the cockpit Ty was selected to attend the USAF Fighter Weapons School at Nellis AFB. From Nellis, Ty returned to the 81st TFS which had been moved to Spangdahlem AFB, Germany before being transferred to Headquarters Tactical Air Command at Langley AFB as TAC Program Manager for the new F-4G, Wild Weasel aircraft. In 1979 Ty left active duty and accepted an assignment with the Air Force Reserve flying the A-10 at Barksdale AFB, where he ultimately retired after serving as Squadron Commander of the 47th TFS.
Besides the Silver Star, Ty was also twice awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Contributor: Michael Morrissey (47598836
Leo Tyrus (Ty) Gregory, 73, of Bonita Springs passed away Sunday Nov. 5, 2017 peacefully in the arms of his wife, surrounded by his daughter, brother and sister-in-law. The son of the late Leo and Lucy A. (Watson) Gregory, Ty was born in 1944 Gainesville, FL and was raised in Winter Haven. He and his wife have been residents of Bonita Springs for the past 17 years.
Ty launched his distinguished and wide-ranging professional career first as a trapeze artist with the Florida State University circus as well as the Al G. Kelly and Miller Brothers circus. He was a member of the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity.
After graduation Ty joined the United States Air Force. Lt Col (Ret) Gregory served his country for 23 years as a pilot, squadron commander, and one-time parachute tester. He flew combat missions over Vietnam, earning a Silver Star and two Distinguished Flying Crosses. After retiring from the Air Force he embarked on a 25-year career as a pilot for Southwest Airlines. He was deeply respected and his positive attitude, perseverance, kindness and sense of humor were pivotal in cementing the Southwest Airline culture.
In addition to his love for aviation, Ty was an avid outdoorsman. He served as Commodore of the local sailing club and was an active member for many years. In the summer, he took his passion for hiking, biking and golf to his beloved Colorado Mountains. Ty lived a rich life full of love and laughter he was a fighter who will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
Ty is survived by his beloved wife of 45 years, Gabriele D. (Naumann) Gregory; his loving children W. Thomas (Beth) Gregory of Portland, OR; Andrew L. (Melissa) Gregory of St. Petersburg, FL; and Anna G. (Tommy) Spann of Portland, OR; his brother William E. (Melody) Gregory of Lutz, FL and 5 beloved grandchildren, Abbey, Zach, Wil, Mila and Matilda.
A memorial service will be celebrated on Saturday, November 11, 2017 at 11:00 A.M. at Christus Victor Lutheran Church, 15600 Tamiami Trail N., Naples FL 34110. Burial with full military honors will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.
In Lieu of flowers please consider a donation to www.freedomwatersfoundation.org
Arrangements are being handled by Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home.
The following was written by John Schnobrich, a fellow Southwest Airlines Captain, who wrote it to request the fly by at his funeral:
Lt Col Leo 'Ty' Gregory
January1, 1944 – November 5, 2017
Lt Col Leo 'Ty' Gregory entered the United States Air Force immediately upon graduation from Florida State University in 1965. Upon graduation from UPT in 1966, Ty transitioned to F-4's and was assigned to the 4th TFW at Seymour Johnson AFB. While assigned to the 4th TFW Ty's squadron was deployed to Kunsan AFB, South Korea in response to the seizure of the U.S.S. Pueblo by North Korea. His deployment to South Korea ended in July 1968 and shortly after his return to Seymour Johnson AFB he received notification of reassignment to Southeast Asia.
In early 1969 Ty reported to the 8th TFW at Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand. The 8th TFW's primary mission was interdiction, Mig Cap and close air support. Ty rapidly gained mission experience and was selected to join an elite group within the 8th TFW, the Fast FAC (Forward Air Controller) operating under the call sign "Wolf" FAC. The Wolf FAC mission was to patrol the entire Ho Chi Minh Trail through Laos and North/South Vietnam looking for enemy movement of supplies and personnel from North to South Vietnam. When targets were found the Wolf called in fighter aircraft with air to ground munitions and directed the targets destruction. The mission required 4-5 hours airborne, at high speed and low altitude, placing the Wolf FAC under constant threat of enemy antiaircraft guns, Surface to Air missiles and MIGs.
On April 5, 1970 Ty's experience was severely tested. On a Wolf FAC mission Ty discovered several heavy trucks near Ban Karai Pass, close to the North Vietnam border, hiding under the jungle canopy. As he pulled up for a second pass, the Ban Karai Pass erupted in anti-aircraft fire and his aircraft sustained damage by a near miss from a 37mm shell. Ty righted his F-4, and in spite of his aircraft being damaged, he remained on target and began calling in fighter aircraft and directing them on target. After an hour and a half over the target Ty's aircraft was hit again, and with the target destroyed, Ty returned to Ubon and safely landed the badly damaged aircraft.
Ty was awarded the Silver Star for this mission. As the citation states, "By constantly disregarding the high threat to his life, Captain Gregory directed the destruction and damage of more than ten trucks and vast amounts of hostile supplies". What the citation doesn't say, is that Intelligence Reports the next day revealed that the trucks had been loaded with Surface to Air Missiles bound for South Vietnam. Had the SAM's been successfully deployed in the South, they would have seriously endangered US aircraft.
Ty completed his Southeast Asia tour a month later and reported to the 81st TFS at Hahn AFB, Germany. The 81st TFS was the first and only Wild Weasel Squadron in Europe and the mission resembled that of the Wolf FAC mission Ty had assumed in Ubon. On January 19, 1971 Ty was on a training mission at high altitude and in heavy weather when his pitot static system failed leaving his aircraft without flight guides, forcing Ty to eject. The high speed ejection caused catastrophic injuries and surgeons recommend amputation of his right leg. In typical Ty fashion he refused and put himself through extensive rehab, returning to the cockpit by April, 1971
Upon returning to the cockpit Ty was selected to attend the USAF Fighter Weapons School at Nellis AFB. From Nellis, Ty returned to the 81st TFS which had been moved to Spangdahlem AFB, Germany before being transferred to Headquarters Tactical Air Command at Langley AFB as TAC Program Manager for the new F-4G, Wild Weasel aircraft. In 1979 Ty left active duty and accepted an assignment with the Air Force Reserve flying the A-10 at Barksdale AFB, where he ultimately retired after serving as Squadron Commander of the 47th TFS.
Besides the Silver Star, Ty was also twice awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Contributor: Michael Morrissey (47598836
Ty launched his distinguished and wide-ranging professional career first as a trapeze artist with the Florida State University circus as well as the Al G. Kelly and Miller Brothers circus. He was a member of the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity.
After graduation Ty joined the United States Air Force. Lt Col (Ret) Gregory served his country for 23 years as a pilot, squadron commander, and one-time parachute tester. He flew combat missions over Vietnam, earning a Silver Star and two Distinguished Flying Crosses. After retiring from the Air Force he embarked on a 25-year career as a pilot for Southwest Airlines. He was deeply respected and his positive attitude, perseverance, kindness and sense of humor were pivotal in cementing the Southwest Airline culture.
In addition to his love for aviation, Ty was an avid outdoorsman. He served as Commodore of the local sailing club and was an active member for many years. In the summer, he took his passion for hiking, biking and golf to his beloved Colorado Mountains. Ty lived a rich life full of love and laughter he was a fighter who will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
Ty is survived by his beloved wife of 45 years, Gabriele D. (Naumann) Gregory; his loving children W. Thomas (Beth) Gregory of Portland, OR; Andrew L. (Melissa) Gregory of St. Petersburg, FL; and Anna G. (Tommy) Spann of Portland, OR; his brother William E. (Melody) Gregory of Lutz, FL and 5 beloved grandchildren, Abbey, Zach, Wil, Mila and Matilda.
A memorial service will be celebrated on Saturday, November 11, 2017 at 11:00 A.M. at Christus Victor Lutheran Church, 15600 Tamiami Trail N., Naples FL 34110. Burial with full military honors will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.
In Lieu of flowers please consider a donation to www.freedomwatersfoundation.org
Arrangements are being handled by Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home.
The following was written by John Schnobrich, a fellow Southwest Airlines Captain, who wrote it to request the fly by at his funeral:
Lt Col Leo 'Ty' Gregory
January1, 1944 – November 5, 2017
Lt Col Leo 'Ty' Gregory entered the United States Air Force immediately upon graduation from Florida State University in 1965. Upon graduation from UPT in 1966, Ty transitioned to F-4's and was assigned to the 4th TFW at Seymour Johnson AFB. While assigned to the 4th TFW Ty's squadron was deployed to Kunsan AFB, South Korea in response to the seizure of the U.S.S. Pueblo by North Korea. His deployment to South Korea ended in July 1968 and shortly after his return to Seymour Johnson AFB he received notification of reassignment to Southeast Asia.
In early 1969 Ty reported to the 8th TFW at Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand. The 8th TFW's primary mission was interdiction, Mig Cap and close air support. Ty rapidly gained mission experience and was selected to join an elite group within the 8th TFW, the Fast FAC (Forward Air Controller) operating under the call sign "Wolf" FAC. The Wolf FAC mission was to patrol the entire Ho Chi Minh Trail through Laos and North/South Vietnam looking for enemy movement of supplies and personnel from North to South Vietnam. When targets were found the Wolf called in fighter aircraft with air to ground munitions and directed the targets destruction. The mission required 4-5 hours airborne, at high speed and low altitude, placing the Wolf FAC under constant threat of enemy antiaircraft guns, Surface to Air missiles and MIGs.
On April 5, 1970 Ty's experience was severely tested. On a Wolf FAC mission Ty discovered several heavy trucks near Ban Karai Pass, close to the North Vietnam border, hiding under the jungle canopy. As he pulled up for a second pass, the Ban Karai Pass erupted in anti-aircraft fire and his aircraft sustained damage by a near miss from a 37mm shell. Ty righted his F-4, and in spite of his aircraft being damaged, he remained on target and began calling in fighter aircraft and directing them on target. After an hour and a half over the target Ty's aircraft was hit again, and with the target destroyed, Ty returned to Ubon and safely landed the badly damaged aircraft.
Ty was awarded the Silver Star for this mission. As the citation states, "By constantly disregarding the high threat to his life, Captain Gregory directed the destruction and damage of more than ten trucks and vast amounts of hostile supplies". What the citation doesn't say, is that Intelligence Reports the next day revealed that the trucks had been loaded with Surface to Air Missiles bound for South Vietnam. Had the SAM's been successfully deployed in the South, they would have seriously endangered US aircraft.
Ty completed his Southeast Asia tour a month later and reported to the 81st TFS at Hahn AFB, Germany. The 81st TFS was the first and only Wild Weasel Squadron in Europe and the mission resembled that of the Wolf FAC mission Ty had assumed in Ubon. On January 19, 1971 Ty was on a training mission at high altitude and in heavy weather when his pitot static system failed leaving his aircraft without flight guides, forcing Ty to eject. The high speed ejection caused catastrophic injuries and surgeons recommend amputation of his right leg. In typical Ty fashion he refused and put himself through extensive rehab, returning to the cockpit by April, 1971
Upon returning to the cockpit Ty was selected to attend the USAF Fighter Weapons School at Nellis AFB. From Nellis, Ty returned to the 81st TFS which had been moved to Spangdahlem AFB, Germany before being transferred to Headquarters Tactical Air Command at Langley AFB as TAC Program Manager for the new F-4G, Wild Weasel aircraft. In 1979 Ty left active duty and accepted an assignment with the Air Force Reserve flying the A-10 at Barksdale AFB, where he ultimately retired after serving as Squadron Commander of the 47th TFS.
Besides the Silver Star, Ty was also twice awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Contributor: Michael Morrissey (47598836
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