C.W. “Red” Eudaily
1922 - 2012
Former long-term Dillon resident C.W. "Red" Eudaily died Jan. 21 at his daughter's residence in Sacramento, Calif. He was 88.
Red was reared in Illinois, and called San Jose, Calif., his home.
He was an apprentice-trained cheese maker, a retired USAF SMSgt, a grand story teller of the family, and of the world he had seen; a truly centered man.
Red transferred from his wet, cold and muddy army training camp because he had heard rumors that a more certain roof and better food was to be found in the USAF.
During the war he flew in the "heavies", seeing combat in North Africa and then in southern Europe, where he was decorated for saving his combat aircraft and crew.
Red flew an excess of missions because some 60 men of his training cadre resolved not to return from the war zone until all had done the required number of missions. Only four made it back stateside.
Subsequent duty took Red to the Korean War, the Philippines, and Japan, finally settling him at Edwards AFB as part of a team which tested aircraft, and the interface problems with man.
As any able NCO, Red cultivated relationships developed in the crucible of war and in subsequent duty rotations.
His career was cut short by choosing to become a civilian so he could look after his then teen-age, and now surviving daughter, Jeanie. She opened her home to Red the past three years, and attended him in his final days.
Interment is planned in San Jose, Calif.
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