★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★
LT Orville Kollasch '68 was lost on June 7, 1972 when the A-7 Corsair II jet he was piloting crashed during night practice landings at NAS Lemoore, California.
From the Lucky Bag: "Orv came to the Academy after graduation from high school in Estherville, Iowa. He brought with him a special spirit, sincerity, and desire which seems to show wherever he goes. After lettering in football and track, along with wrestling, Orv proved himself to be quite a versatile athlete at USNA participating in intramural boxing, crew, Softball, lightweight football, squash, handball, ract time, and gymnastics. His ability and determination proved to be a real asset to every team he played on. Just ask him about his early morning walks out to the sea wall and back. When he was not working on academics, Orv was actively engaged in the Big Brother program and the Newman club. His devotion, drive and unselfishness will certainly make him a respected Naval Officer and an asset to his country."
Following graduation in 1968 he went to Pensacola for flight training. He continued training at Meridian and completed it in Kingsville, Tx., with VT-23 in November 1969. He was kept on duty there as assistant operations officer and later aviation safety officer. While there he transitioned to A-4's and was qualified in helicopters. In August 1971 he was assigned to NAS Lemoore with VA-122.
He was 26, and was survived by his wife, Susan, their 18-month-old son, and his parents.
To Honor! ⚓
https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/ORVILLE_A._KOLLASCH,_LT,_USN