WILLARD A. SAMPSON, LCDR, USN

LCDR Willard Sampson, USN '40 was lost 70 years ago today — the day before his 34th birthday — when the aircraft he was piloting crashed in Huddleston, Virginia. From the Lucky Bag: "The eternal ray of sunshine — no matter how tarnished that hypothetical silver lining may be, it never evades Sam. With this same optimism he treats studies lightly, even when in the shadow of the most ominous of academic eight-balls. Sam is a conscientious swimmer, and a strong arm of the Navy team, upon which a will to win and a rugged physique have earned him a well deserved berth. With his affable personality and ever present sense of humor, Sambo will always have many sincere friends, and his career, in following the footsteps of his brother in the service, is bound to be a happy one. You have made us mighty proud of you, Sammy."

Twice awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Commander Sampson was a carrier fighter pilot during the war and commanded Fighting Squadron 83 on board the carrier Essex. His duty assignment at the time of his death was with the Piloted Aircraft Division, Bureau of Aeronautics.

He was survived by his wife, Jean, and their girls, Jean, 7 and Helen, 5.

http://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/WILLARD_A._SAMPSON,_LCDR,_USN

DEAN A. PRICE, LT, USN

Dean Price '76 was lost 40 years ago today, on June 15, 1980, when the H-3 Sea King helicopter he was aboard crashed into the Caribbean Sea.

From the Lucky Bag: "Dino was a product of Baltimore and he retained his local flavor as he and his guests scratched at their crabs each September. Manager of the 4th wing men's shop, he could often be found taking nocturnal inventory, restocking the shelves and having January clearance sales. He enjoyed the role as the great imposter, especially as a student, assuming such big roles as Moses, the Old Spice sailor and, at the pinnacle of his career, J.C., much to the chagrin of the company God squaders. Dino's only fear in life was sleeping because of a recurring nightmare of Gregory Peck at Navarone, but he showed great courage in attempting to overcome this fear by sleeping continuously, even in class. Like the driver in Harry Chapin's Taxi, he is taking off to find the stars."

A graduate of Cardinal Gibbons High School in Baltimore, he was chosen as the scholar-athlete of that school in his senior year. Upon graduation from the Naval Academy with the Class of 1976 he requested flight training and upon being designated naval aviator, was assigned to Fleet Composite Squadron EIGHT in Puerto Rico.

He was survived by his parents and his brother.

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/DEAN_A._PRICE,_LT,_USN

OSKALOOSA S. SCHLEY, NAVAL CADET, USN

On Memorial Day we reported 2,730 alumni on the site. Two weeks later, a dedicated volunteer — who has absolutely no prior connection to the Naval Academy — has discovered three additional men deserving of being listed with their classmates.

One of those, Naval Cadet 3/c Oskaloosa Schley, Class of 1859, was 18 years old when he fell from the foretop rigging of the practice ship Constellation on August 3, 1886. (Three other men drowned when the lifeboat sent to his aid was swamped.) Oskaloosa was remembered as "a bright young man," and his classmates erected a monument to his memory.

GEOFFREY R. SHUMWAY, LCDR, USN

Geoff Shumway '64, from the finger lakes region of New York, was the son of a naval aviator. In the Lucky Bag: "…his talents and interests varied from reading and music to sports and a healthy interest in the opposite sex. His principal sports interests were pole vaulting and squash, but during leave he could often be found at a ski lodge or on the beach somewhere. When not occupied with maintaining his position on the Superintendent's List, his musical ability on the guitar oft provided amusement for everyone. Geoff should prove to be a very welcome addition to Naval Aviation."

On June 25, 1972, the A-7E Corsair he was piloting was shot down over North Vietnam. Initially declared mission in action, his remains were repatriated in 1993 and positively identified on June 12, 2002.

He was posthumously promoted to Lieutenant Commander and awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. Geoff was survived by his wife and a brother.

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/GEOFFREY_R._SHUMWAY,_LCDR,_USN

WILLIAM J. DRUMTRA, LTJG, USN

LTjg William Drumtra '32, of Gloucester, Massachusetts, was lost on July 25, 1938 when the torpedo bomber he was aboard crashed near Norfolk, Virginia.

At the Naval Academy he was known as a "roommate and a friend" with "no equal. His even temperament is not disturbed by petty gripes. We are sure that he will fulfil the requirements of an officer and a gentleman." He was business manager of Masqueraders and Musical Clubs; boxed 2/c year, played baseball and class football in his 4/c and 3/c years.

He was survived by his parents and a brother.

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/WILLIAM_J._DRUMTRA,_LTJG,_USN

DONALD A. MOLLICONE, 1LT, USAF

Donald Mollicone '60 "came to the Naval Academy from Brooklyn, New York. His typical Brooklyn accent and wit make him a must at a party. Most of his spare time is spent dragging local talent from Crabtown. Don came South with two and a half years experience of college life, making him a well indoctrinated student. As such he managed to squeeze in a little time for card games. As one of the stalwart members of the varsity dinghy sailing team, Don gained valuable experience sailing on the salty Severn. Don plans on a flying career with the U. S. Air Force, along with his brother, a West Point graduate."

Don was lost on December 20, 1963, when the O1-E forward air control plane he was piloting crashed at Soc Trang Airfield, Vietnam.

In addition to his brother, also an Air Force officer, he was survived by his parents.

His classmates in the February 1964 issue of "Shipmate:" "To his family we offer our condolences — to his memory our humble praise."

http://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/DONALD_A._MOLLICONE,_1LT,_USAF

EARLE F. CRAIG, LCDR, USN

Earle Craig '39 was, according to the Lucky Bag, "A regular fellow from the wilds of New Jersey, Buster is ready for anything and everything, from dragging blind to lending a poor unfortunate a little cash. Can be found almost any afternoon in the gym, engaged in a fast game of handball or basketball. His favorite pastime is, however, singing popular songs in the shower, very much off key and in words of his own composition."

Earle was lost on October 12, 1944 when his TBM-1C Avenger torpedo bomber was shot down turing the Formosa Air Battle. He was 28 years old, a Lieutenant Commander, and commanding officer of Torpedo Squadron (VT) 44, embarked in USS Langley (CVL 27).

He was survived by his parents.

http://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/EARLE_F._CRAIG,_LCDR,_USN

BUTLER Y. RHODES, LCDR, USN

Butler Rhodes, Class of 1903, was from West Point, Mississippi. The Lucky Bag was not verbose: "Wrestled for the Prince. Great ladies' man and has a dainty lisp. Chews when on duty and hits the pap for it. Awfully devilish and quite cute."

He had a long career, serving all but roughly three of his twenty years at sea aboard many different ships. Three times he was executive officer, including aboard USS Rappahannock, a supply ship. On November 3, 1924 he tripped and fell to his death in that ship's hold.

He was survived by his wife and parents.

http://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/BUTLER_Y._RHODES,_LCDR,_USN

WALTER B. SHAW, JR., LT, USN

Walter Shaw, Jr. '54, from Penn Wynne, Pennsylvania, spent "a year at Penn State before a desire to enter the Naval Academy won out over an earlier urge to be a civil engineer. Walt's lack of size is more than offset by his energy and vigor. His love for sports and his athletic ability manifested itself in his record on the baseball diamond and soccer field. For those moments of relaxation he turns to the piano or uke as he is very much at home playing either. Though by no means an old salt yet, Walt can come up with some real sea stories of his own. Ask him about his pleasure cruise that ended in a timely rescue by the Coast Guard. With his natural friendliness, his abilities, and determination, Walt is sure to find his service career a successful one."

He was going to be the first pilot of an F8U Crusader launched from the then-new USS Independence (CV 62), but the catapult failed and he crashed immediately into the sea. He was lost on August 24, 1959; he was 27 years old and a Lieutenant with Fighting Squadron (VF) 11.

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/WALTER_B._SHAW,_JR.,_LT,_USN

DAVID L. R. TRUNDY, 1LT, USMC

David Trundy '78 in the Lucky Bag: ""Dave will develop into a fine Naval Officer." So ended many a grease chit written about Dave. But we all knew he'd never be happy unless he ended up in a green flying machine. If one word could characterize Dave, it would be change. Before he got to Navy, he changed states once a year whether he needed it or not. He began wanting to fly fighters for the A.F., switched to Navy fighters, and ended up wanting to fly Cobras. He never could make up his mind! But Dave was really serious about USNA, how many other guys brassoed their spiffies. Dave decided to change from Tech to Bull. He loved sailing, but changed to less aggressive sports like soccer and football. The girls of his life changed until he found a cute Wyoming cowgirl. However, it took the Lord to change the most important things in Dave's life, his heart and outlook on life."

He was lost on September 18, 1981, when the AH-1T Cobra helicopter he was piloting crashed near Cherry Point, North Carolina. He was survived by his wife, daughter, and parents.

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/DAVID_L._R._TRUNDY,_1LT,_USMC

JOHN W. HAYS, LTJG, USN

John Hays '36 in the Lucky Bag: ""Two gun," after getting the old sea urge, left Oklahoma, land of Indians, oilwells, and wrestlers, and packed up for Annapolis. After his arrival, it didn't take long for Jack to get established in this new type of life, although he has never forgotten the old. During the winter months, when so many join the radiator club, the Kid may be found in the wrestling loft. In the spring, Jack may be seen in drill dress heading for the riding stables. One can never tell as to Jack's academic abilities, as he visits all sections from first to anchor. He is far from being wooden, however, and always keep well above the old 2.5. Whether on the sea, in the big city, or on the plains, we know Jack will be a success and will be a real friend to all."

John served the first several years of his career aboard USS Oklahoma (BB 37), then finished out the 1930s aboard a series of destroyers.

Sometime in late 1940 or early 1941 he was transferred to USS Asheville (PG 21). This valiant ship of barely 1,500 tons was sailing alone on March 3, 1942, attempting to reach Australia when she was spotted, attacked, and sunk south of Java by a Japanese surface force of a heavy cruiser and two destroyers. Only one man aboard was known to have survived the sinking.

John's mother was listed as next of kin. He has a memorial in Arlington National Cemetery.

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/JOHN_W._HAYS,_LTJG,_USN

RICHARD W. HASTINGS, LT, USN

Richard Hastings '62 in the Lucky Bag: "Dick hailed from Lomita, California. Like most Navy juniors, Dick went to more schools than he could count. He graduated from high school in Youngstown, Ohio and returned to Lomita just before going to the Academy. While at Canoe U., Dick always loved sports. He had a great interest in aviation and read anything and everything about the subject that he could get his hands on. He took an active part in the Aeronautical Engineering Club and was program director during his second class year. With his interest in aviation, Dick will be a great asset to Navy Air."

The Class of 1962 website continues his story: "He was designated a naval aviator in 1963, and then reported to VF-124, San Diego, for training in the F-8. In March 1964 he joined VF-51, making two Far East cruises in the Ticonderoga: he had recently completed training as a landing signal officer. Among his awards were the Navy Commendation Medal and the Expeditionary Medal."

Richard died on May 14, 1966, of injuries sustained by debris from a jet striking the ramp of USS Ticonderoga (CVA 14).

He was survived by his wife, Violet; parents; sister; and grandmother.

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/RICHARD_W._HASTINGS,_LT,_USN

SHELDON J. NORRIS, 2LT, USMC

Sheldon Norris '72 was a "true hulk of a man," according to the Lucky Bag. "Shelly's cheerfulness, sincerely and loyalty are sure to leave an impression as big as the man himself."

On March 27, 1974 he was lost when his TA-4J Skyhawk crashed near Yuma, Arizona while on a training flight. He was posthumously designated a Naval Aviator.

Sheldon was survived by his wife, Suzanne.

http://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/SHELDON_J._NORRIS,_2LT,_USMC

EDWARD E. DEGARMO, LCDR, USN

LCDR Edward Degarmo '40 in the Lucky Bag: "When he isn't holding bunk drill, you can find him playing bridge (his favorite indoor and outdoor sport), dragging, reading, working cross-words, or doing a little private jitter-bugging to some hot tune by T. Dorsey. The ability to turn a hopelessly lost debate into apparent victory by resort to a technical point not even remotely connected with the subject is his outstanding characteristic. A typical, smooth-talking son of Ohio, Ed (the walking dictionary) has been a friend to all, always ready to do or try anything. We wish him luck in the Service and hope to be as good shipmates as we have been pals and roommates."

Edward was lost on June 6, 1945 when his airplane was shot down near Okinawa.

He was commanding officer of Torpedo Squadron (VT) 82.

He was awarded the Navy Cross for his "extraordinary heroism" and "inspiring leadership."

He was awarded two Silver Stars for "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action".

He was awarded four Distinguished Flying Crosses for "heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight."

He was survived by his wife, Beatrice, and is buried in California.

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/EDWARD_E._DEGARMO,_LCDR,_USN

RAYMOND W. VOGEL, JR., CDR, USN

CDR Raymond Vogel, Jr. '36, was shot down near Seoul, Korea, on August 19, 1950. He was commanding officer of Air Group 11, and was awarded the Navy Cross for his outstanding courage, aggressive leadership, and disregard for personal danger.

During World War II, he was operations officer and later executive officer of Fighting Squadron (VF) 11, operating over Guadalcanal in 1943. He scored an aerial victory over a Japanese Zero during this time.

He married into an extraordinary Navy and Naval Academy family, and then his three sons (Bill '62, Fred '65, Tim USMA '65-turned Navy Pilot) continued the tradition.

http://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/RAYMOND_W._VOGEL,_JR.,_CDR,_USN

LOUIS P. HAGAN, ENS, USNR

Louis Hagan '45 was "deficient in studies" and resigned from the Naval Academy in 1942. His service did not end then, however. On February 17, 1945 he was an Ensign in the Naval Reserve and aboard USS LCI(G) 471, providing close-in gunfire support to underwater demolition teams (UDT) who were preparing the beaches of Iwo Jima for the invasion two days later.

At 11:32 that morning, his ship was ordered to retire after "having received two additional hits which killed nine men, wounded six, disabled the bow 40mm gun and started another fire." Two of the wounded later died.

Louis's commanding officer — one of five officers aboard the ship — was awarded the Navy Cross, and the entire LCI(G) group was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for their heroism that day. (Another commanding officer in the group was awarded the Medal of Honor.)

Louis was from Elizabethtown, Kentucky, and was survived by his mother, sister, and brother.

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/LOUIS_P._HAGAN,_ENS,_USNR

JOHN M. FRANKLIN, LT, USN

John "Butch" Franklin '74 was lost at sea November 20, 1979 when his F-4 Phantom Jet crashed during night landing operations USS Independence in the Mediterranean.

"Lt Franklin, born June 5, 1952, is a native Tuscaloosan. He received his elementary education in Tuscaloosa city schools. His junior high and high school years were spent in Jacksonville, Alabama, where he graduated from Jacksonville High School. He was a 1974 graduate of the United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD, and a graduate of the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, California.

"Lt Franklin was ranked 36th in a class of 923 at the Naval Academy and was sent to the Naval Postgraduate School in California to complete his Masters degree. He served as 6th Company Commander at the Academy and was named to the Dean's and Superintendent's lists each semester. His excellent personal scholarship earned for him the coveted Henry M. Roberts Award, presented to the midshipman with the most promising future in Mathematical Studies. He was named one of ten selected for Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities. Franklin served his country with distinction and honor, his pride and devotion were unsurpassed.

"Since graduation, he has been attached to Fighter Squadron Thirty-Three, based at U. S. Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia. He is survived by his wife, Lt. Judith Brown Franklin, formerly with the United States Navy Nurse Corps, Virginia Beach, VA; his mother, Mary Nell Franklin, Tuscaloosa; brother Lt Mike Franklin, USN, Leonardtown, MD; sister Rhonda S. Franklin Miller, Birmingham, and grandmother Theo Franklin, Tuscaloosa.

"Lt Franklin resided with his wife Judy, at 1852 Blue Knob Road, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23464."

FRANK B. QUADY, LCDR, USN

"Frank Bernard Quady, United States Naval Academy class of 1938, was born in Minneapolis on April 25, 1916. He was the first of two brothers to graduate from Annapolis. Both would fight in the Pacific theater during World War II. Quady completed flight training in Pensacola and Miami, receiving his wings of gold in April '41.

"In June he married Helen Mlinar at Sacred Heart Church, Coronado. Later he reported to Fighter Squadron Six (assigned to USS Enterprise, which relocated to Pearl Harbor). Quady's Enterprise service, which spanned the Pacific, saw action during the Gilbert/Marshall Islands Raid, Wake Island Raids, the Doolittle Mission and the Battle of Midway; the Enterprise group earned the Presidential Unit Citation.

"While on a rare leave in his home state of Minnesota, the locals celebrated their native son's endeavors. Deflecting the attention, Quady was quoted saying, "The dive bombers deserve the credit, though, for they're the ones that carry the mail."

"Quady served in the Carrier Replacement Squadron (VF11) at Lunga Point, Guadalcanal, where he received an Air Medal for heroics in aerial flight.

"In June of 1943 Quady downed two enemy planes in a single sortie (log book entry: "..a stern run into the leading vee of bombers..."). After the action, he remarked to "Red" Schild and Frank Hynes, "all that and not a mark," for which he received the reply, "take a look at your tail." Upon a glance, he gulped, noticing significant damage to his plane.

"As a lieutenant commander, Quady was assigned to TF58 aboard the USS Bunker Hill (CV17); he served as Assistant Flight Operations Officer. The Bunker Hill carried out the Iwo Jima Assault and Occupation Operation, including the Fifth Fleet raids against Honshu and Nansei Shoto through March 16, and Okinawa Gunto Operation Fifth/Third Fleet raids in support through June 11. He saw a lot action during the battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa, where he helped rescue many downed airmen, earning the Bronze Star medal. In fact, Captain G.A. Seitz wrote, "Task Force records will show that the number of rescues reached a new high during the time Frank was a member of the Staff. Many pilots were saved, due to his efforts..." And "His friendliness and high sense of humor made him one of the best loved members of the staff."

"Quady's brother, Emmett, in theater aboard a destroyer, the USS Fanning, wrote home about the hectic pace at which Quady was serving, "...a postcard from Frank...was rather funny...his way of telling me that he knew where I was hanging out and that he couldn't possibly get away to see me on the few occasions he was near. He is moving in fast company."

"Tragically, Frank and 392 of his shipmates were killed by two kamikaze attacks on Friday morning, May 11, 1945. Quady's numerous awards include the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) w/Gold Star, Air Medal (with one Silver, four Gold Stars), Bronze Star, Purple Heart, World War II Victory Medal, American Defense Service Medal (Fleet), American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal (three Bronze Stars), Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon with Gold Star, and the Pearl Harbor Commemorative Medal.

"Quady's beloved wife Helen, and their son Roy, lived in Coronado from 1944 until 1962."

The biography quoted in whole above was authored by Scott and Roy Quady on the occasion of a banner being added to Coronado's "Avenue of the Heroes."

CONRAD S. GROVE, JR., 2LT, USMC

Conrad Grove, Jr. '45 in the Lucky Bag: "To his more intimate friends, "Connie" is known as "Lefty" or "Lacrosse-Stick Grove." Always ready for a party, his exceedingly high spirit more than upheld the morale of the 8th Company. He was a member of the Plebe Lacrosse Team, played a fair game of tennis and possessed much innate but dormant athletic ability. The Detroit Tigers are tops with "Lefty," and it breaks his heart when they wind up in the second division. Happy, carefree, and never in want of friends or companions, he will make a successful officer in his chosen profession."

"Connie" and his classmates were graduated in June 1944; he was lost in March 1945 in an accident involving a hand grenade. He was a 2nd Lieutenant in the Marine Corps and in North Carolina.

He was survived by his wife (who later remarried) and his parents.

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/CONRAD_S._GROVE,_JR.,_2LT,_USMC

EMORY W. COIL, LCDR, USN

LCDR Emory Coil, USN '12 was originally a member of the class of 1910, but fell two classes due to sickness. A native of Ohio, he became Naval Aviator #96 in 1917 and was one of the earliest lighter-than-air instructors in the Navy.

In 1919 he commanded the airship C-5 during a record flight for non-rigid airships, covering 1,050 nautical miles in 25 hours 50 minutes. He and forty-three other men were killed on August 24, 1921 when the British airship R-38 crashed near Hull, England. The ship was intended for US Navy use as ZR-2.

His wife had died in 1919; they had no children.

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/EMORY_W._COIL,_LCDR,_USN