RANDOLPH B. BOYER, CAPT, USN

Capt. Randolph Boyer, USN '27 was lost on August 16, 1947 when the converted B-17 he was aboard crashed while enroute from Hawaii to Japan. He was a member of "General MacArthur's strategic and operations staff." Nine others were also lost, including Ambassador George C. Atcheson, Jr., the chief political advisor and the chairman of the allied powers council in Japan.

He was awarded the Navy Cross for "extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession" as commanding officer of USS Morris (DD 417) at the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands in October 1942.

A native of Minnesota, the Lucky Bag said in part: "He has a tremendous attraction to everyone. He is forever helping his roommates. You should hear those two argue. There is nothing they do not talk about, and many Baltimoreans are said to have obtained pointers on Darwin's theory or the like from their low conversations. "Rannie" has those underlying qualities that show the true hard-fighting type, and we know he will go forth to conquer new worlds. A true friend to all, never moody, never cross, we all like him and find him a true classmate and companion."

Randolph was survived by his wife, daughter, mother, two sisters and two brothers.

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/RANDOLPH_B._BOYER,_CAPT,_USN

DAVID D. PEPPIN, JR., PFC, USMC

David Peppin, Jr., '69, was only a member of his class for a few months; he left the Naval Academy shortly after plebe summer when he contracted double pneumonia. Several years later he enlisted in the Marine Corps and on July 10, 1969 was killed during a fire fight with North Vietnamese forces. He was a PFC and member of Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division.

He was survived by his parents and at least one sister.

http://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/DAVID_D._PEPPIN,_JR.,_PFC,_USMC

JAMES R. WICKES, LT, USN

James Wickes '67 was killed on July 2, 1971 when the T-28 he was piloting crashed in the Sierra Nevada mountains in California.

From the Class of 1967's 50th Reunion Yearbook: "Jim, the son of a Baptist Minister, came to USNA from Moab, Utah, after a year at Baylor University. He brought with him, his western twang, a great attitude, strong values, infectious enthusiasm, and boundless determination. He immediately endeared himself to his company classmates as a loyal friend and leader and was, unquestionably, the most “squared away” of all the 20th Company Baggers.

"Encouraged by his uncle, John Jeffries, a Class of 1952 Naval Aviator, Jim set his sights on also becoming a Navy Pilot. He successfully navigated the rigors of Aeronautical Engineering, and experienced the happiest day of his Academy life when he received his flight training date in Pensacola. The second happiest day came when Jim, the 20th Company designated “motorhead”, took delivery of his brand new forest green 427 Corvette Stingray convertible in the spring of 1967.

"Following graduation, Jim headed to the beaches of San Diego for the last of the Bagger post-graduation bashes and then off to Pensacola. He proved to be a natural and progressed rapidly though training and received his wings in October 1968. Along the way, he met the love of his life, Sue Tenant, and they were soon married. Jim stayed in the training command as an instructor and then received orders to VA-122 at NAS Lemoore for A-7 training.

"On July 2, 1971, Jim volunteered to participate in the search for a private aircraft, which had gone missing on June 26. The aircraft was carrying four passengers, three of whom were Navy pilots from NAS Lemoore. Jim and an observer took off in a T-28 to conduct a visual search of an area east of Fresno in the rugged Sierra Nevada Mountains and subsequently crashed into a heavily wooded ridge. The observer survived but Jim was killed in the crash.

"Following a memorial service at NAS Lemoore, attended by many of his Academy classmates, Jim was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

We miss him but are consoled by the fact that he died doing what he loved, flying and helping!"

http://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/JAMES_R._WICKES,_LT,_USN

ROBERT T. SYMES, LT, USN

LT Robert Symes '27 was lost on November 30, 1936 when the plane he was piloting crashed near La Jolla, California.

From the Lucky Bag: "AT last the Math Department is due for some commendation. Through its bilging efforts Bob came into our midst during Plebe year. With his winning ways and true comradeship he immediately proceeded to carve for himself a niche in our hearts which only grows deeper and more permanent as time rolls by.

"Bob has evinced only a spasmodic interest in athletics, although we believe he possesses latent powers. Was he not on the basketball squad Plebe year? The apparent reason for this lack of interest in athletics lies in his consistent boning of the Cosmo and associated. Any other type of boning is absolutely taboo, which perchance explains why we are now graced with his presence.

"The thought that the gentler sex has resisted his charms is not to be harbored, for one only has to gaze on his raven black hair and ruddy cheek to realize that there must be many broken hearts throughout his scattered ports of call.

"Gifted with an overflowing well of cheery good humor and the rare knack of being able to express himself, Bob has enlivened many gatherings with the narration of the anecdotes of his prep school days in Washington and his eventful cruises.

"A parting hint—if you are to escape this man's personality, steer clear of his course, for once exposed you are infected forever."

Robert was survived by his father and a son, Robert, Jr.

http://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/ROBERT_T._SYMES,_LT,_USN

CHARLES H. JEFFRIES, II, LT, USN

LT Charles Jeffries, II, USN, '67 was killed in an ambush aboard Naval Base Subic Bay on April 13, 1974. He was a CEC officer with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 133.

From the Class of 1967's 50th Reunion Yearbook: "Following graduation, Chuck served as an Unrestricted Line Officer in USS Robison (DDG-12) before being selected for graduate school in Civil Engineering and subsequent transfer into the Civil Engineer Corps. He received a Masters Degree in Civil Engineering from Purdue University in 1971 and served in the Public Works Department at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard from 1971-73. Following Philadelphia, he was assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 133 home ported in Gulfport, MS. While deployed to the Philippines in April 1974 and commanding a construction detachment building a perimeter road around Subic Naval Base, he and two other Civil Engineer Corps officers were killed in a daylight ambush by insurgents later identified as HUK guerillas. Ironically, his former Commanding Officer in Philadelphia, Captain Thomas Mitchell (USNA ’53), was one of the officers also killed.

"Chuck was interred at Arlington National Cemetery. In 1976, the Seabee base in the Philippines was named Camp Jeffries in Chuck’s honor. It has since been decommissioned, and the plaque commemorating Chuck resides at the Seabee Museum in Port Hueneme, CA. To those of us who knew and loved Chuck, this was a cruel and tragic blow; a wonderful and purposeful life ended too soon.

Chuck was an all-State football lineman from Waynesboro, VA, a large, incredibly strong but gentle man, an unwavering Christian and a committed husband and father. He and his wife Ginny had two children, Doug and Amy. Amy is a successful hairdresser, has a son and lives in Greensboro, NC. Doug is a President with the Bank of America, has a stepson and lives in Jacksonville Beach, FL. Ginny later married William L. Sellers, a Submariner of USNA Class of 1968. They reside in Greensboro, NC, have a daughter Becky, who is a nurse practitioner and a mother of three children."

He is listed on the killed in action panel in the front of Memorial Hall.

http://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/CHARLES_H._JEFFRIES,_II,_LT,_USN

JOHN L. DONEFF, ENS, USN

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

KENNETH A. WADE, LT, USN

LT Kenneth Wade '46 was lost on February 8, 1955 when his F9F2 Panther jet crashed near La Jolla, California. A native of nearby Coronado, the Lucky Bag had this to say about him: "Among the boys who whoop it up in Bancroft Hall, one can always single out our boy, "K.A." Never a complaining note was emitted from Ken as people thronged to his room to borrow the daily necessities. Women never bothered him and he never bothered them; the only thing he dragged to the hops was himself, and that was in a mad effort to get the punch with the cherries in it. There was never a dull moment for the companions of "Carefree Ken," the man who luffed his way through Juice, "K.A." will never slow down as long as there is spice left in life."

During the Korean War he was awarded the Air Medal with three gold stars; there is a photograph of him from ~March 1951 smiling through flak damage to his jet.

Kenneth was survived by his mother.

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/KENNETH_A._WADE,_LT,_USN

DONALD D. ALDERN, CAPT, USN

Donald Aldern '52 was lost 50 years ago today, on June 29, 1970, when the A-7 Corsair II he was piloting crashed during a bombing run over North Vietnam. A Commander at the time, he was later promoted to Captain while in a missing status. At the time of his loss he was commanding officer of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 19 aboard USS Oriskany (CVA 34). He was a recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross and Bronze Star, in addition to many other unit and campaign awards.

From the Lucky Bag: "Living in South Dakota where the largest body of water to be found was the cattle's drinking trough, Deane's hereditary love for King Neptune's Domain overcame his environmental love for the land, and he went down to the sea via USNA. Deane's diversions while at the Naval Academy consisted of writing small bundles of greetings to his OAO, sleeping, and playing basketball, in that order. Deane has decided to join the flying arm of the Navy, and time will surely prove him to be a capable and conscientious officer."

Donald was survived by his wife, four sons, parents, and two brothers.

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/DONALD_D._ALDERN,_CAPT,_USN

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