JOHN W. SINCAVICH, LT, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

LT John Sincavich '43 was killed in action when USS Trigger (SS 237) was sunk by combined Japanese air and surface attack on March 28, 1945.

From the Class of 1943 anniversary book "25 years later…": "Sinc was born in Bridgeport, Ohio on 14 May, 1920. He was appointed from Ohio and entered the Academy on 29 June, 1939. Upon graduation, he went to submarine instruction with Commander Submarine Division TWELVE and the Submarine Base, New London. In February 1943, Sinc reported to the submarine USS TRIGGER in the Pacific and qualified in submarines in August 1943. Sinc was on his fourth war patrol with TRIGGER off the Nansei Shoto Archipelago. The TRIGGER had sunk sixteen Japanese ships and earned the Presidential Unit Citation."

"Sinc" was twice awarded the Bronze Star Medal. He was survived by his wife, Betty.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/JOHN_W._SINCAVICH,_LT,_USN

CLIVE A. STRANGMAN, LT, USN

Clive Strangman '42, from Pasadena, California, graduated with his classmates on December 19, 1941. His Lucky Bag entry: "Talented, versatile, and original are three words which adequately describe this English importation from the land of tea and crumpets. His originality was displayed in everything from pep parades to hop programs. His versatility was evident in athletics and his talent in everything he attempted. But most of all, I like to remember him for his subtle humor and his all-around good companionship."

He played football and basketball his plebe year for the Class of '42 teams, and was also on the track team through his 2/c year. As a 1/c, he was 7th Company Commander.

Clive was killed on April 26, 1945 in a "flight training accident;" he is not listed as a qualified naval aviator.

He was survived by his wife, Annette, whom he married on July 7, 1944.

Though we've been unable to find how Clive participated in the war from graduation until his death, we remember his service and sacrifice today and every day.

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/CLIVE_A._STRANGMAN,_LT,_USN

FOSTER N. SIMONSEN, ENS, USN

ENS Foster Simonsen '45, from Davenport, Iowa, in the Lucky Bag: "Three years of living with the mightiest of the "mighty mites" has been three years filled with a vast variety of experiences. The little "wolf" has never done anything halfway, be it sports, "beating the system," or girls. His sincerity, self assurance, and high ideals have made him many friends. Neal's desire to live a completely filled life is destined to carry him to the far corners of the earth. A hunting lodge in Minnesota, an expedition to the mountains of Tibet, or a safari in Africa are all within his range. To the shortest man legally in the Naval Academy, and to a real Navy man, I say "MIZ-PAH.""

Foster graduated with the rest of his class in June 1944; he was killed in action when USS Shubrick (DD 639) was struck by a kamikaze off the coast of Okinawa on May 29, 1945.

He was survived by his wife, Martha.

http://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/FOSTER_N._SIMONSEN,_ENS,_USN

HERBERT E. KLOEPPING, LTJG, USN

LTjg Herbert Kloepping '53 was killed when the P2V-6 Neptune patrol bomber he was aboard crashed in the Dolomites mountains in the Italian Alps. Ten others were also lost.

From the Lucky Bag: "Kloepp took life easily into his stride. After three years in the fleet, he found his way via NAPS. At home on any sports field, Herb liked soccer best. Although a good athlete, Herb never forgot his other interests, good music, weekends and leaves in LIC. His methodical ways were apparent to anyone who looked in his textbooks and saw the pages of underlined material. Not a lover of Regs, Herb seemed to get by when others were spending peaceful afternoons mustering. Herbie, handsome, a true blue New Yorker, seemed always on the go and never out of energy."

He was a native of Long Island City, New York, and was survived by his parents and three brothers.

http://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/HERBERT_E._KLOEPPING,_LTJG,_USN

THELMAN LESTER, ENS, USN

ENS Thelman Lester '25, naval aviator #3403, was killed in a plane crash near San Diego on August 6, 1928.

He began his career aboard the battleship Maryland; he started flight school in 1927.

His father and father-in-law were both justices in the Oklahoma State Supreme Court — one of his nicknames in the Lucky Bag is "judge." Thelman was survived by his wife of only two months.

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/THELMAN_LESTER,_ENS,_USN

ANTHONY G. LUCCI, CAPT, USAF

Anthony Lucci from the 1961 Lucky Bag: "Tony came to the Academy from a small mining town in William Penn's home state via a year at Columbian Prep, where he began his football career. He soon donned the blue and gold and performed capably within the green fence. Between football seasons, Tony could usually be found writing to his OAO or hitting the books. His cheerful personality won him wide popularity throughout the Brigade, and we expect him to continue his success as he takes his place among the graduates in carrying on the traditions of the Academy."

Anthony, an Air Force Captain and a qualified navigator, was killed on September 27, 1967 when the C-133 plane he was aboard crashed in Dallas.

He was survived by his wife, Donna, and three sons, Frank, Michael, and Timothy.

http://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/ANTHONY_G._LUCCI,_CAPT,_USAF

CLIFFORD T. JANZ, LT, USN

LT Clifford Janz '31 was "Patient, generous, and warmhearted, Cliff makes an ideal roommate and a good friend. One reason he takes so well to activities may be to hold as many friends as possible. It's certainly a fact that his contagious smile and humor keep him always with someone around to " talk it over with.""

On the morning of December 7, 1941, he was "sending everyone in the vicinity to shelter below the armored deck" of USS Arizona (BB 39) when she was destroyed in a series of explosions.

Cliff had spend his career at sea in various destroyers until graduate school at the Naval Academy in 1938 and 1939; he transferred to USS Arizona sometime before October 1939.

Cliff was one of twelve Naval Academy graduates killed on that ship that morning; another twelve were killed elsewhere in the attack.

He was survived by his wife, parents, and 2-month old son.

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/CLIFFORD_T._JANZ,_LT,_USN

THOMAS P. MCGRATH, LCDR, USN

LCDR Thomas McGrath, USN '40 in the Lucky Bag: "From the sands of Arizona "Tiny" came to the Navy ready for a scrap. Generally as gentle as a St. Bernard, nothing suits him better on the gridiron than a fight. Tom is ambitious in both athletics and academics. Plebe year it was shadow boxing his roommate, the "Shadow;" second class year, playing with a sixteen pound ball. Tiny is kind-hearted, generous, and always ready to render aid to his classmates. Claiming he is always losing weight, he diets on four desserts. A regulation fellow, well-liked, and respected by all, the Navy has in him no better material for a leader, an officer, and a gentleman."

He was the Regimental Commander for both the 2nd and 3rd sets.

Initially stationed aboard USS California (BB 44), sometime after April 1941 he transitioned into the submarine service.

He was lost when USS Pompano (SS 181) was sunk, likely on September 17, 1943, possibly by a mine north of the Japanese islands. Thomas was the boat's executive officer, and was awarded the Silver Star for "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action" during the boat's three war patrols.

Thomas was survived by his parents.

http://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/THOMAS_P._MCGRATH,_LCDR,_USN

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