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Hayden A. "Buck" Gregory passed away Friday, January 12, 2007, on his 92nd birthday. Born in 1915 in Haskell County, TX, Buck attended Texas Tech University, and then volunteered to become a Naval aviator during WWII. With flight training completed in 1943, he was assigned to fly submarine patrols between Florida and Cuba. In 1944, he was trained as a fighter pilot and achieved the distinction of becoming an American Fighter Ace - having shot down five or more enemy planes - which he accomplished in the Pacific Theater flying a Grumman F6F Hellcat. At war's end, Buck had earned our nation's third-highest medal - the Silver Star - in addition to the Distinguished Flying Cross with three Gold Stars, the Air Medal with four Gold Stars, and the Army Commendation Medal. He was chosen as one of the first instructors at the Navy's "Top Gun" school, and remained in the U.S. Navy until 1968 when he retired at the rank of Commander. Buck and his family lived a nomadic military life and particularly enjoyed one assignment in Naples, Italy. He and his first wife, Gladys, resided in Albuquerque, NM for several years until her death in 1986. He then married the former Norvell Schmidly in 1987 and moved to Levelland, TX. Upon her death in 2003, Buck relocated back to Albuquerque to be near family. He is survived by a brother, Buford, and his wife, Juanita, and a sister-in-law, Jackie, all of Lubbock, TX. He had three children by Gladys: Jerry Gregory and his wife, Therese of Albuquerque; Bob Gregory and his wife, Linda of Albuquerque; and Dr. Nancy Lockwood of Carmel, CA. He also loved his stepchildren: Dr. David Schmidly and his wife, Janet of Stillwater, OK; and Stephen Schmidly and his wife, Susan of Greensboro, NC. He was blessed with nine grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren with another on the way, plus many beloved nieces and nephews. Buck was an extraordinary individual who touched many lives and had countless friends. He was a patriotic American who loved his country and his family immensely. Buck had a quick-witted sense of humor, a sharp memory, and entertained us with numerous stories. He was our best friend and will be greatly missed. Interment will be at Santa Fe National Cemetery. A Graveside Memorial Service will be held in the spring. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his name may be made to the charity of your choice.
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