Thomas W. Dailey

Major Thomas W. Dailey
Leadership on the Front Lines of WWII

A Tactical Leader in the 17th Tank Battalion

Major Thomas W. Dailey served as the Executive Officer of the 17th Tank Battalion, 7th Armored Division, during World War II, playing a vital role in some of the war’s most intense engagements. Known for his decisive leadership and battlefield coordination, Dailey was instrumental in the Battle of the Bulge, the final push into Germany, and the liberation of Allied prisoners of war (POWs). His ability to lead both combat and logistical operations showcased his adaptability in the ever-changing landscape of warfare.

Holding the Line at St. Vith: A Critical Battle in the Ardennes

In December 1944, as Hitler launched his surprise Ardennes offensive, the 7th Armored Division was rushed to reinforce the American defensive lines. Dailey traveled alongside Lt. Col. John Wemple, guiding the 17th Tank Battalion’s movement into St. Vith, a strategic crossroads targeted by the 6th SS Panzer Army.

🔹 Command Under Pressure: As part of Combat Command B (CCB), 7th Armored Division, Dailey helped organize defensive operations, ensuring tank and infantry coordination in the face of a vastly superior enemy force.

🔹 A Test of Identity: Due to the infamous Malmedy Massacre, where German SS troops executed American POWs, U.S. military police increased security checks. At one such checkpoint, Dailey was quizzed about the Brooklyn Dodgers, his favorite baseball team, to prove his identity before being allowed to pass—demonstrating the paranoia and tension of the battlefield.

🔹 Six Days of Resistance: Facing bitter cold, artillery barrages, and relentless German attacks, Dailey’s leadership was crucial to maintaining defensive cohesion. When Lt. Col. Wemple considered destroying encryption codes to prevent their capture, Dailey persuaded him to hold onto them, ensuring operational security.

The stalwart defense of St. Vith delayed the German advance and contributed significantly to the eventual failure of the Battle of the Bulge.

Task Force Dailey: The Final Push into Germany

Following the Battle of the Bulge, Dailey’s leadership continued to shine. He was given command of Task Force Dailey, an armored spearhead leading assaults deep into Germany’s Ruhr Valley.

🔹 March 30, 1945 – Securing the Eder Dam: Task Force Dailey captured this strategic objective, preventing German forces from flooding the Eder River Valley in an attempt to slow the American advance.

🔹 April 4, 1945 – Assault on Küstelberg: His forces encountered heavy German resistance, including anti-tank guns, tanks, and artillery. Through superior coordination of infantry and armor, he broke enemy defenses and secured the town, accelerating the 7th Armored Division’s advance.

Dailey’s ability to analyze enemy positions and adjust tactics in real-time made him a formidable battlefield commander.

Liberation of Allied POWs and Management of German Surrender

As the 17th Tank Battalion moved deeper into Germany, Dailey’s leadership extended beyond combat. In April 1945, near Hemer, Germany, his forces encountered a German officer carrying a white flag—signaling an opportunity to liberate thousands of Allied POWs.

🔹 Negotiating a POW Camp’s Surrender: The German command informed Dailey that their camp held 23,000 starving Allied prisoners. Fearing chaos if the camp was stormed, Dailey coordinated an orderly surrender, ensuring the safety of the prisoners.

🔹 Managing Over 20,000 POWs: With American forces overwhelmed by the influx of prisoners, Dailey established a temporary POW camp in Dassow, Germany, delegating captured German officers and NCOs to maintain order.

🔹 Humanitarian Leadership: Recognizing the dire need for food, medical care, and sanitation, Dailey commandeered local bakeries, organized German medical staff, and ensured basic humanitarian standards were met for both Allied prisoners and surrendered German troops.

His logistical and leadership skills in post-battle operations were just as vital as his battlefield tactics, ensuring that surrendering forces were controlled and accounted for in the chaotic final weeks of the war.

A Legacy of Leadership Beyond the Battlefield

Following the war, Major Dailey’s leadership was widely recognized, with division command recommending him for advanced military roles. Along with Lieutenant Colonel John Temple, Dailey advised Jack Wilson to consider a role in Graves Registration, the Quartermaster Corps unit responsible for identifying and honoring fallen soldiers. Their reasoning was simple—“You’ve been shot at enough.”

While Dailey continued his military career in other capacities, his advice to Wilson reflected his deep sense of camaraderie and concern for the men he served with. He understood the toll of combat and encouraged Wilson to take a role where he could contribute without facing the same constant dangers of the battlefield.

Though records of Dailey’s post-war life remain limited, his impact as a battlefield leader and mentor remains an integral part of the 7th Armored Division’s legacy. From his role in the defense of St. Vith to his leadership of Task Force Dailey, he embodied the tenacity, tactical skill, and unwavering leadership that defined the Greatest Generation.