Howard Thomas Moss

Howard Thomas Moss, USAF (Ret.) was born on February 3, 1937, in Richmond, Virginia, to Katherine (Fensom) Moss and Earnest Francis Moss. Howard passed away at Baymarsh, on March 4, 2025. Howard leaves behind his beloved wife of 50 years, Susan Moss; his devoted dog, Paces; brothers, Randall (Renee) and Kevin (Kelli); as well as, many loving cousins, nieces and nephews, godchildren, and three daughters of the heart. Howard is preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Michael Scott Moss.

Howard was an extraordinary man who valued the bonds of family and friendship, dating back to his early childhood in Richmond, Virginia. Known as "the boy from Cary Street", Howard grew up surrounded by his parents and extended family. Howard attended Thomas Jefferson High School and graduated from the Virginia Military Institute, in 1960, where he played football and ran track. It was at VMI that Howard found lifelong connections with the Institute, his teachers and fellow Cadets, which defined much of his career and close friendships.

After graduation he was employed at John Marshall High School as Commandant of Cadets, head track coach, assistant football coach and history teacher. He entered the United States Air Force a year later and was assigned to Air Force Systems Command, Vibration and Impact Branch, where he was the first human to test an instantaneous 20G-force under controlled conditions in support of the Gemini Space Program. After flight school, he was sent to Southeast Asia for his first combat tour. On his second tour, he was selected as Chief of Tiger Fast Forward Air Controller Program (Tiger FAC) at Korat Royal Thai Airforce Base in Thailand. He ended his combat tour with 341 combat missions and 841 combat hours over North and South Vietnam and Laos. After Command and Staff College and a tour at Headquarters, Tactical Air Command, he was assigned to the Royal Air Force, Bentwaters, U.K., as Commander of the 510th Tactical Fighter (A-10) Squadron. In 1981, after the Arab/Israeli War, he was selected to lead a team to Israel for an exchange of information with the Israeli Air Force. After a tour at the Pentagon, he retired as a Colonel after 23 years of active military service. He was awarded 4 Distinguished Flying Crosses, 24 Air Medals, the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry and various other citations. He was hired by General Electric to build and supervise The Center for Advanced Airmanship, a F-5 fighter-training facility in Phoenix, Arizona. This was the first time that the U.S. Air Force contracted a civilian company to perform fighter training services. Howard ended his career as a consultant with NavCom Defense Electronics, Inc.

Howard shared his love of life all over the world. Although he made the most of everywhere he landed, he loved Thailand and his assignment in England where he and Susan lived for four years. They retired to their beautiful home, Baymarsh, on the banks of the James River in Surry, Virginia. There, Howard enjoyed woodworking, shark tooth hunting, entertaining friends and family, and writing. Howard published Kiss the Talisman, a captivating, fictional account of a daring fighter pilot. His family and friends will all remember Howard's infectious laugh that brought joy to everyone who knew him. He will be deeply missed.

The family will hold a private service at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to the Captain Paul M. Bayliss Memorial Scholarship Fund, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia, 24450.