John Doneff '43 graduated in June 1942 with the rest of his class. Commissioned an Ensign, he reported aboard USS Pensacola (CA 24) in the middle of July. He was killed in action four and a half months later, on November 30, 1942, when his ship was heavily damaged by torpedo and gunfire at the Battle of Tassafaronga (Fourth Battle of Savo Island). One hundred twenty four other officers and sailors were also killed.
From the Lucky Bag: "Sound off Mister." "Midshipman Bucket, fourth class, Sir!" And so by a slip of the tongue. John became "Bucket" to us, but in name only. His fine academic record hints of future progress in the Air Corps, his greatest aspiration. Always on the go, he was never too busy to "work that prob." On weekends at Dahlgren he could usually be found impressing someone's drag with "I'm just a clean cut kid." His card tricks stumped us, but selling suits a la Robber's Row was his specialty. Bucket's industry, sense of humor, and willingness to lend a hand will admit only of success in the fleet.
John was survived by his parents, and USS Doneff (DE 49) was named for him.
http://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/JOHN_L._DONEFF,_ENS,_USN