Nelson W. Dayhoff, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Dayhoff, graduated from Abilene High School, Abilene, Kansas, in 1938. After graduation, he went to Kansas State University in Manhattan for one and a half years. Instead of being drafted, he wanted to become a navy pilot. He enlisted on July 8, 1941. After taking his preflight training at Fairfax Field in Kansas City, he was sent to Corpus Christi, Texas, where he received his navy wings in June 1942. A short time later, he went to Hawaii where he served for several months. Nelson contacted yellow jaundice and spent some time in the hospital in New Zealand. Then came the big surprise. They were sent home for a thirty day leave. After his furlough at home, he spent time at Alameda, California, taking some very intensive advanced training in the Navy's fastest Hellcat fighter plane. Nelson married Doris Edwards in Piedmont, California, before going back overseas. The heaviest combat occurred at sea during the afternoon and evening of October 14, 1944 near Formosa. Seven Hornet Hellcats under Lieutenant Nelson Dayhoff came up against an incoming raid of about 12 Judy dive bombers escorted by 15 to 20 Zekes and Tonys. Dayhoff's radio quit working before the interception. Mr. and Mrs. Kayhoff received a telegram saying Lt. Nelson Dayhoff was missing following action.