LTjg Francis Weiler '39 died of his wounds on March 26, 1942 in a Japanese Prisoner of War camp. He was a member of the fire control party on USS Houston (CA 30) when that ship was sunk on March 1, 1942.

A native of Philadelphia, the Lucky Bag said: "With the Quaker City as a background, and the addition of a brilliant personality, Boo-Boo soon made for himself a host of friends at the Academy. A well-groomed appearance, and the ability to say the right thing at the right time have been the envy and despair of us all. Hailing from a soccer-famous family, he did not take long to prove his mettle with the Plebe squad. In his academic and social pursuits, he has been a shining example of the Teddy Roosevelt "Work hard—play hard" maxim. The result has been that Boo-Boo soon attained the elusive titles of "smoothie" and "savoir.""

Following his death, Francis' class ring took an almost-unbelievable path to his parents. He gave it to a Dutch nurse, who gave it to a doctor, who gave it to a Japanese officer. In early November 1942 a classmate on Guadalcanal was handed the ring; it had been taken off a dead Japanese soldier. This classmate gave it to a fellow officer, who gave it to a Private when that second officer was posted as a forward artillery observer. (The observer was KIA shortly afterwards.) The Private was then mortally wounded on November 23, 1942; he asked his best friend to return his personal effects to his family. Included was Francis' ring. On March 1, 1943, a year after Houston's destruction, the Private's father wrote to Francis' family.

http://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/FRANCIS_B._WEILER,_LTJG,_USN

MARK R. POHLMEYER, LCDR, USN

LCDR Mark Pohlmeyer '79 was lost on May 6, 1986 when his A-7 Corsair II collided with another in his squadron over the Pacific Ocean.

From the July/August 1986 "Shipmate:" "Born in Pennsylvania, he was appointed to the Naval Academy from that state and graduated with the Class of 1979 with a degree in Aerospace Engineering. He entered flight training and was designated a Naval Aviator on 24 April 1981.

Lt. Pohlmeyer's Navy duty included tours with VT-3, TW5 at NAS Whiting Field from October 1979 until May 1980 and VT-26/VT-25, TW3 at NAS Chase Field from May 1980 to April 1981. He then reported to VA-122 as a Fleet Replacement Pilot where he remained until April of 1982. He reported to VA-22 for a three-year tour as a Fleet Pilot before returning to VA-122.

He is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jack A. Pohlmeyer of 900 Bockstoce Ave., Pittsburgh, Pa.; his brother Jack M. Pohlmeyer '73 of Hanover Park, Ill.; and his twin brother Lt. Paul E. Pohlmeyer USN '79 of VA-127 at NAS Lemoore, Calif."

http://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/MARK_R._POHLMEYER,_LCDR,_USN

JULIAN D. GREER, CAPT, USN

Julian Greer '27, was commanding officer of Fleet Air Wing 6 when the PB4Y patrol plane he was aboard crashed in Washington on January 28, 1953.

A portion of his entry in the Lucky Bag reads: "Although a star athlete in his home state, June, after trying lacrosse for a year, decided to take part in the Radiator Club meetings, and any day after drill he could be heard saying, "How about a little game tonight?""

June is always ready to help anyone less savvy, and would do anything for a friend. His winning smile and hearty friendship will make a place for him in the Service."

Have been unable to find any of his wartime experiences, but following graduation he was aboard USS Pennsylvania (BB 38) before beginning flight training in early 1929. Prior to the war he served in various squadrons on the west coast and in the Territory of Hawaii.

"June" was survived by his wife, mother, two sisters, and a brother.

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/JULIAN_D._GREER,_CAPT,_USN

EDWIN W. CARDIN, CAPT, USAF

Edwin Cardin was only briefly a member of the Class of '77, but after graduating from Southeast Missouri State University in 1975 he continued his service to the country by entering the Air Force.

In 1979 he was a member of the first squadron with F-15s at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan. On December 29, 1982 he was flying near Okinawa when he collided with his wingman and was killed.

Edwin was survived by his wife and two-year-old son; his wife established an endowed scholarship to be awarded to a non-scholarship AFROTC cadet at SMSU.

In June 1983 Building 3382 at Kadena was dedicated as Cardin Hall. It was rededicated on December 20, 2013, and is now home to the 18th Operations Support Squadron.

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/EDWIN_W._CARDIN,_CAPT,_USAF

JACK D. BROWN, CAPT, USAF

Jack Brown was a prior enlisted sailor who attended NAPS before graduating the Naval Academy in 1951. He was commissioned into the US Air Force and became a pilot.

In 1965 he was a Minuteman Missile commander; in May of that year he was killed when his T-33 jet trainer crashed on a flight from Colorado Springs to Malmstrom Air Force Base.

He was survived by his wife, two daughters, and son.

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/JACK_D._BROWN,_CAPT,_USAF

JOHN D. HUNTLEY, LCDR, USN

LCDR John Huntley '31 was executive officer of USS De Haven (DD 469) when that ship was sunk and he was killed on February 1, 1943, near Savo Island in the South Pacific.

From the Lucky Bag: "Jack first received the call of the Navy by looking over the great inland sea, Lake Erie. A successful four years in Clyde High School and preliminary training in the industrial word paved the way for entrance to the Naval Academy.

Jack's athletic interests have been confined to track and cross country, and many a spring afternoon he has spent in chasing up and down Farragut Field. He has been a member of the choir for four years, and he takes an enthusiastic interest in the doings of the Radio Club. He has an excellent knowledge of the devious ways of A. C. and radio waves. Few of his classmates can equal his practical knowledge of electricity.

The people back home who are interested in Jack have faith in his future, for they feel as we feel, that his fineness of character, sense of truth and honor will ultimately bring him the success he deserves. Despite his reserve, he can smile; and despite his youth he has dignity. These qualities, we know, will carry him on to the goal which he has chosen."

Earlier in the war, he was a Lieutenant, Assistant Gunnery Officer and Control Officer, Forward 5" Director, aboard USS Yorktown (CV 5). His gun mounts were credited with shooting down three Japanese torpedo planes at the Battle of the Coral Sea. He was aboard Yorktown when she was sunk at the Battle of Midway.

John was survived by his wife, two sons, his father, and his brother.

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/JOHN_D._HUNTLEY,_LCDR,_USN

FRANK E. LIETHEN, JR., MAJ, USAF

Major Frank Liethen, Jr., USAF '53 was lost 54 years ago today, on October 12, 1966, when the F-100 Super Sabre jet he was piloting collided with another over Nevada. He was the executive officer of the Thunderbirds demonstration team.

He was an airman for a year prior to the Naval Academy, and then was commissioned in the Air Force following his graduation. The Lucky Bag says of him: "When "Elmer" was asked why he didn't stand first in the class . . . '"Somebody scotch-taped my skinny book shut." This handicap didn't prevent him from considering academics just a minor hazard in his path to graduation. When he was not out on the field squashing some poor unfortunate individual under his monstrous frame, he could be found comfortably curled up over a pool table in Smoke Hall, wishing he had a good bottle of beer to keep him company. The frap for skylarking was without doubt made up expressly for Frank, but it didn't faze him at all; he's headed for the Air Force after graduation."

He held a Master's degree in electronics in 1959 from the Air University at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, and graduated the USAF Aerospace Research Pilot School at Edwards AFB, Calif., where he was chosen outstanding pilot and overall student in his class. After a year as a project officer in the research and development section of the Fighter Weapons School at Nellis AFB, he returned to the pilot school as an instructor. While there he flew an F-104 Starfighter modified with a rocket engine to an altitude of 108,000 feet.

He was survived by his wife, Charlotte, and four children, Robin, Laura, Gretta and Tony.

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/FRANK_E._LIETHEN,_JR.,_MAJ,_USAF

JOSEPH M. CAMPBELL, LCDR, USN

LCDR Joseph Campbell '43 was lost in late May 1952 when his aircraft crashed at NAS Patuxent River.

From the Class of 1943 anniversary book "25 years later…":

Joe was born on 21 October 1919 in Richmond, Virginia. He was appointed at-large and entered the Academy on 8 July 1939. After he graduated he served in carrier USS RANGER which ship participated in the covering operations for the North Africans landings at Casablanca in November 1942. Upon completion of these operations, Joe was ordered to the commissioning detail of the carrier USS ESSEX, and served in that ship during her shaking down period in the Atlantic and in attacks on Marcus Island in the Pacific in September of 1943 and those on Japanese-held Wake Island in October. In November of that year the ESSEX conducted raids on Rabaul and then proceeded to take part in the operations that culminated in the landings on Tarawa. Later in the year the ESSEX participated in the carrier strikes on Kwajalein atoll and in January-February 1944 in action against the Japanese incident to the landing operations at Kwajalein followed by the first strikes on Truk.

The ship participated in the carrier strikes against Saipan and Guam in February 1944. For participation in the above engagements Joe was entitled to wear the Presidential Citation awarded to the ESSEX, the European theatre campaign medal with one bronze star and the Pacific theatre campaign medal with five bronze stars, This was followed by duty aboard the carrier USS RANGER.

In May 1944 Joe entered flight training at Dallas, Texas; Pensacola and Melbourne, Florida. He then served on the Staff of Commander Carrier Division FIVE, Commander In Chief Pacific and in the Office of Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for air as an Aide.

These duties were followed by flying with Fighter Squadron TWO EIGHT operating from the escort carrier USS SICILY and duty in May 1948 on the Staff of Commander Second Fleet. Joe then served with Fighter Squadron TWELVE and then had duty at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland, It was here that Joe lost his life in an aircraft crash on 29 May 1952 while engaged in a local service flight. In addition to medals already mentioned he wore the American Defense Service with Fleet Clasp and the WW II Victory Medals. He was survived by his wife, Mary L. Miles Campbell, their children Sara M., Christopher M. whose address at the time Joe was killed was c/o Admiral A. C. Miles, USN 515 California Terrace, Pasadena, California."

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/JOSEPH_M._CAMPBELL,_LCDR,_USN

BALDOMERO LOPEZ, 1LT, USMC

1LT Baldomero Lopez, USMC '48, in the Lucky Bag: "Being one of the biggest hearted, best-natured fellows in the brigade has won Lobo a vast number of friends. Even the Executive Department seemed to take a liking to him for he very seldom spent his free time under their martial supervision, and anyone in trouble with a week-end watch was always able to find him willing to help out. A ready partner for any type of athletics, Lobo didn't favor social life, but was always willing to discuss the merits of a prospective drag. The Marines have captured Lobo's heart, and we know that he will be a successful officer."

On September 15, 1950, just over 70 years ago, he led the 3rd Platoon, Company A, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines over the seawall at Inchon, Korea. His Marines. He only survived for another few minutes; he died while protecting those same Marines, as laid out in his Medal of Honor citation.

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant Baldomero Lopez (MCSN: 0-49344), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty on 15 September 1950, as a Marine platoon commander of Company A, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces during the landing at Inchon, Korea. With his platoon First Lieutenant Lopez was engaged in the reduction of immediate enemy beach defenses after landing with the assault waves. Exposing himself to hostile fire, he moved forward alongside a bunker and prepared to throw a hand grenade into the next pillbox whose fire was pinning down that sector of the beach. Taken under fire by an enemy automatic weapon and hit in the right shoulder and chest as he lifted his arm to throw, he fell backward and dropped the deadly missile. After a moment, he turned and dragged his body forward in an effort to retrieve the grenade and throw it. In critical condition from pain and loss of blood, and unable to grasp the hand grenade firmly enough to hurl it, he chose to sacrifice himself rather than endanger the lives of his men and, with a sweeping motion of his wounded right arm, cradled the grenade under him and absorbed the full impact of the explosion. His exceptional courage, fortitude, and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon First Lieutenant Lopez and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Baldomero was survived by his parents and brother.

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/BALDOMERO_LOPEZ,_1LT,_USMC

DAVID H. SWENSON, JR., LTJG, USN

LTjg David Swenson, Jr., '48, was killed in action 70 years ago yesterday (September 13, 1950) when his destroyer was struck by shore artillery in Inchon harbor, Korea.

From the Lucky Bag: "Good-natured, full-of-fun Swede soon took to the Academy life. He spent his time excelling in football as well as playing hob with the Academic Departments' well-planned courses by starring in all of them. Swede used his little spare time helping his classmates through the toughies which came easy to him. Somehow he always found time for a game of bridge and the Saturday night movie. Swede's service to our class has been unselfish and outstanding and it's a sure bet that his record in the future will be just as good."

David was survived by his mother and brother. He was posthumously awarded the Silver Star for "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy."

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/DAVID_H._SWENSON,_JR.,_LTJG,_USN

ALEXANDER G. MCEWEN, LT, USN

LT Alexander McEwen, USN '43 was executive officer of USS Dickerson (APD 21) and was lost when that ship was destroyed in a kamikaze attack on April 2, 1945, off the coast of Okinawa. Fifty-three other officers and men were also killed.

From the Class of 1943's book "25 years later…": "Mack was born on 3 April, 1920 in Duluth, Minnesota He was appointed from Minnesota and entered the Acade my on 17 July, 1939. After graduation Mack went to a series of short schools in the Norfolk area and then to the high speed destroyer transport DICKERSON in the Pacific. In January 1944 the DICKERSON participated in the landings at Green Island off the Northwest tip of Bougainville. He participated in other amphibious operations as the allies moved North in the Pacific. While engaged in the second day of the mighty Okinawa invasion, April 2, 1945, the DICKERSON was hit by enemy fire which resulted in Mack's death. He wore the Purple Heart, American Defense Service Medal with Fleet Clasp and the Asiatic-Pacific Area Campaign Medal with three bronze stars. He was survived by his wife Elizabeth Julia who at the time of Mack's death resided at 2123 Sussex Avenue, Duluth, Minnesota."

http://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/ALEXANDER_G._MCEWEN,_LT,_USN

EDGAR A. HOLLISTER, CAPT, USMC

Capt. Edgar Hollister, USMC '48 was killed in action with North Korean forces on October 27, 1952, while leading a flight engaged in close air support. He was posthumously awarded the Silver Star for his "gallantry and intrepidity."

From the Lucky Bag: "Holly is one of the saltier members of our class. He came to Navy via the Department of the Pacific and the Naval Academy Preparatory School. Being a true Montezuma Kid, he aspires to great heights in the Marine Corps. As far as extracurricular activities are concerned, Holly is equally at home on the football field or sacked out proclaiming the merits of Southern California. His spare time is spent by swimming, wrestling, playing pushball, or with his Book of Virile Verse. Ashore or at sea, this broad-shouldered Californian will prove to be a real Marine."

Edgar was survived by his wife, Marie.

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/EDGAR_A._HOLLISTER,_CAPT,_USMC

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