Aviation Cadet Fred Gifford “Buddy” Thayer

Fred Gifford Thayer was born in Carlsbad NM to Ralph and Mabel Thayer on December 4, 1920. Raised in Carlsbad, he graduated from Carlsbad HS and in 1937 enrolled at NMAMC. He attended three years. He then went to work for the potash mines in Carlsbad until April 1942 when he entered the USAAF. In August 1942 he began his training as a pilot. On March 14, 1943, while training at Williams Field in Phoenix AZ, he was aboard AT-9 #41-12111. His aircraft collided midair with another AT-9 approximately 2 miles east of Scottsdale. The other pilot aboard his plane managed to bail out, and the other plane was able to make a forced landing with both passengers surviving. Cadet Thayer was unable to clear his aircraft and died upon impact. He was the first Carlsbad resident that was a confirmed casualty from the war. He was buried at Carlsbad Cemetery. Cadet Fred Gifford “Buddy” Thayer was 22 years of age at the time of his death.