LANDON L. JONES, LCDR, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

LCDR Landon Jones, USN '01 was lost on September 22, 2013 when his helicopter was destroyed on the deck of USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110) while operating in the Red Sea. The other crewman aboard was also killed.

One classmate said, "Landon 'LBJ' Jones was a wonderful husband, great father and an excellent pilot. The world was a better place with Landon in it and he will be missed by all of his friends."

From the Lompoc Record:

Vincent Culliver, a friend of Jones’ since first grade, recalled when Jones resolved to play hockey and made his own ice rink. “I told my kid the other day, ‘Never say you can’t do anything; Landon made an ice rink in his backyard with wood,’” Culliver said during his eulogy. “He just set some wood up, put the water out there – he knew it was going to freeze the next day – and the next thing you know he was ice skating in a circle.”

Jones was also a thrill-seeker who loved fast-moving vehicles from a young age, his friends and family remembered at the service. As a child he built model airplanes and drew cockpit controls onto cardboard boxes so he could pretend he was flying. As he grew older, he eventually owned a Chevrolet Camaro and a Dodge Viper.

Ned Shores, Jones’ biology teacher at Cabrillo High School, said that affinity for excitement was one reason he decided to pursue the career path he did in the Navy. “Landon told me that if he didn’t get the F-18, then his second choice was not going to be flying other planes because they’re boring,” Shores said. “But he was going to fly helicopters because flying helicopters demanded (that) you gave all your attention.”

Landon was survived by his wife Theresa, sons Anthony and Hunter, mom Debbi, father Larry and brother Nolan.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/LANDON_L._JONES,_LCDR,_USN

NICOLAS J. JURON, LT, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

LTjg Nick Juron, USN '02 was lost on December 13, 2005 when his SH-60 Seahawk crashed into the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Columbia during anti-drug operations. His helicopter had just launched from USS DeWert (FFG 45). The two other crew aboard were also killed.

A native of Lexington Park, Maryland, Nick received a perfect score on his SAT, was a member of the National Eagle Scout Association, and earned a spot on the USA Rugby team. He was remembered a friend, teammate, and classmate as "one of the smartest guys I knew as well as a fierce competitor both on and off the pitch."

Nick has a memorial marker in Arlington National Cemetery.

To Honor! ⚓

http://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/NICOLAS_J._JURON,_LT,_USN

MATTHEW C. FREEMAN, CAPT, USMC

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

Capt. Matt Freeman, USMC '02 was killed in action in Afghanistan on August 7, 2009. A naval aviator, he was embedded with the Fourth Marines Embedded Training Team when he was killed by rifle fire. (His wings were those of his grandfather, a RADM, and his father, CDR Gary Freeman '76).

A Marine remembered:

As we moved in and took fire a bullet hits in between me and Capt Freeman and goes through the floor. We rush out and charge the hill with our other brothers. I remember seeing Matt majestically pull an Afghan rifleman by the belt to pull him back in the midst of fire because he was so scared he was going to get hit and wouldn’t move. Matt returned fire and talked on the radio to the apaches above and looked like a combat angel. I’ve never seen somebody so cool. We made the decision to move to higher ground and Matt and I cleared a home and made for the roof. There was a lull in the fighting. We started talking and he told me about his wife, a precious girl, and how he couldn’t wait to talk to her on the phone with her later. I then snapped a photo of us looking cool. The fighting picked back up when I felt a bullet hit near my feet and I said we need to get down. “You go first, I’ll cover you.” Those were the last words he said to me.

I still hurt ten years later. I miss a friend I only knew for about 16 hours more than anyone should. And getting to know his precious family has been a joy. Matt will be remembered as the coolest, strongest, most courageous man I know. My sons will know him and honor him like I do. Matt, you are sorely missed, even ten years later. I love you, man. I can’t wait to finish our conversation as we praise God together in Heaven.

Matt was survived by his wife, parents, grandparents, two sisters, brother, and many other loving nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. He is buried at the Naval Academy Cemetery.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/MATTHEW_C._FREEMAN,_CAPT,_USMC

JOHN J. HOUSTON, LT, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

LT John "Joe" Houston, USN '02, was lost on October 28, 2009 when the T-34 plane he was aboard crashed into the Gulf of Mexico.

"Joe was the embodiment of the Naval Academy mission. He was disciplined, methodical, quick to praise others, selfless in his time with friends, a servant who participated in humanitarian causes outside the Academy, and above all else, wholly devoted to the Navy and his country. The hallmarks of Joe that we in 2nd Company came to know were: a pristine uniform, flawless physical conditioning, a humble manner, and perhaps a late study light that always seemed to be burning. Joe was an exemplary midshipman, scholar and patriot who yearned to be a leader."

Later: "He loved being an engineer, adventuresome, loved Texas A&M (that's where his dad went), always had an A&M hat on during liberty. Some of his stories I can't tell in public...but one of the funnier ones, we had finished a Friday parade, showered, ready to go out on a Friday night for dinner, movie, etc, he can't find his keys anywhere...we're all tearing apart his room, the 3-1 deck, wardroom, etc. No luck. Finally decide to either walk or another person go get his illegally parked car. We walk outside Gate 3 by the chapel, his car is parked there, keys in the ignition, running, lights on; he had gone to get his parked car, got a spot outside the gate, and just gone blonde on us..."

Joe was survived by his son Asher, fiancée Jennifer, parents, brother, and sister-in-law.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/JOHN_J._HOUSTON,_LT,_USN

JAMES P. BLECKSMITH, 2LT, USMCR

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

2LT J.P. Blecksmith, USMCR, '03 was killed in action in Fallujah, Iraq, on November 11, 2004, while leading the 3d Platoon, Company I, 3d Battalion, 5th Marines. Ed, his father: "J.P. wanted to lead his men effectively in combat, and bring them all home safely. He accomplished both of those goals. He just couldn't save himself."

Four other Naval Academy alumni, beginning with LTCOL David McDougal '33 on Okinawa, have been killed in action with our nation's enemies while serving in the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines.

J.P. was survived by his parents, his brother, and his sister.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/JAMES_P._BLECKSMITH,_2LT,_USMCR

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/Category:3rd_Battalion,_5th_Marines

NELS A. GUNDERSON, III, LT, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

LT Nels Gunderson, III, USN '46 was lost on May 2, 1956 when his F2H Banshee crashed on approach to USS Yorktown (CV 10).

In December 1950 he had to ditch his aircraft into the sea off the coast of Korea.

There wasn't much to the landing. Nothing much different from an arrested carrier landing except that when I looked up, the nose started to sink and water started to come in the cockpit. So, I stood up, looked down to see if my raft and chute were there, they were, so I stood on the edge of the cockpit and jumped away from the plane. I inflated my life jacket after I was well clear of the plane, took off my chute and broke out my raft. I inflated the raft and hopped in just as old 509 went down. I estimate this took about 30-45 seconds. So within 1 1/2 minutes my mode of transportation changed.

He was survived by his wife, their three children, his mother, and two brothers.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/NELS_A._GUNDERSON,_III,_LT,_USN

BRIAN R.S.J. DEFORGE, 1LT, USMCR

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

1LT Brian Deforge, USMCR '03, was lost on June 26, 2006 when the F/A-18C he was piloting collided with another near NAS Lemoore, California.

"Brian was a driven young man who set goals and did whatever it took to achieve them. He was a kind human being who considered all others his equal, regardless of their rank or social status. He was a devoted son, brother, cousin, nephew, grandson, husband and father. While at the Naval Academy, Brian met and courted his bride, the former Jane Romano. They were married on Kent Island in Maryland in June of 2003. Brian always dreamed of being a jet pilot, and upon graduation from Annapolis, his dream was fulfilled when he was selected for Marine Corps aviation. Together, Brian and Jane embarked on an adventure in Marine Corps ground and aviation training that took them to Virginia, Florida, Texas and California. Brian excelled as a student pilot and during training in the T-45A Goshawk, he earned the coveted Top Hook Award aboard the USS John F. Kennedy. Upon completion of Primary Flight training, Brian earned his dream selection; he would go on to train in the fighter jet, F-18 Hornet in Strike Fighter Squadron 125. Brian was an excellent student and he truly loved to fly."

"Brian is survived by his wife, Jane; their children, Brian Jr. and Alison; his mother and step-father, John and Patience Landry; his father and step-mother, Robert D. and Carolyn Deforge; his brothers, Aaron, Ryan, Brad, Robby and Zach; his maternal grandmother, Anna St. Jacques; his paternal grandfather, Robert P. Deforge; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends."

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/BRIAN_R.S.J._DEFORGE,_1LT,_USMCR

MICHAEL L. LICALZI, 1LT, USMCR

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

First Lieutenant Michael LiCalzi, USMCR, '04 died on May 11, 2006 when his tank rolled off a bridge into a canal in Al Anbar Province, Iraq. Three other men, all members of the 2nd Tank Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, were also killed.

Mike graduated from Chaminade High School in 2000. He ran track and cross country, and was part of crew. He was also a member of the German Club. His outside activities included surfing and later in his life, he even took Italian cooking lessons. Mike graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2004 with a B.S. in Economics.

A native of Garden City, New York, he was survived by his parents and siblings.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/MICHAEL_L._LICALZI,_1LT,_USMCR

AARON D. COX, CAPT, USMC

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

CAPT Aaron Cox, USMC '05, was lost on May 5, 2009 when the Super Cobra helicopter he was co-piloting crashed while on a training flight in San Diego County. A native of Little Rock, Arkansas, he was born in Phoenix in 1982.

Voted "Best Personality" at his high school, Aaron was a member of the cross-country track team, the all-state swim team, and the Little Rock Lasers swim team. His family remembers: "A super friend who embraced all of life enthusiastically and unconditionally, inspiring others to 'Follow me!'"

He was survived by his parents, sister, maternal grandmother, and many aunts and uncles. "Also surviving Aaron are the friends he collected throughout his life. Wherever he went, Aaron met people with an easy smile and an open heart. He will be remembered for the kindness, honesty, loyalty and devotion he gave freely and consistently to his family, friends and country, and for a wisdom beyond his years."

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/AARON_D._COX,_CAPT,_USMC

ELIZABETH KEALEY, MAJ, USMC

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

Major Elizabeth "Betsy" Kealey, USMC '05, was lost when the helicopter she was piloting crashed on January 23, 2015 at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California. A combat veteran of Afghanistan with two deployments, she was a weapons and tactics instructor. Betsy was planning on resigning her commission to attend graduate school and then become a physics teacher.

A native of Indiana, Pennsylvania, at the Naval Academy she was a member of 30th Company and the crew team, marathon team and mountaineering club. She was also a member of the Officers’ Christian Fellowship, American Society of Mechanical Engineers and Midshipman Action Group.

Two of her classmates remembered her:

Bets: The genuine, intense, silly & bright woman driven by her love for her friends and always by her faith. Oh, you are terribly missed. When things get tough, we will forever hear you telling us to work on our balance - with great gusto, of course. To laughs & impish smiles, Peaches. We love you.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/ELIZABETH_KEALEY,_MAJ,_USMC

BRANDON A. BARRETT, CAPT, USMC

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

CAPT Brandon Barrett, USMC '06 was killed in action in Afghanistan on May 5, 2010. He was a member of the 1st Battalion, 6th Marines, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force. It was his second deployment to Afghanistan.

Known as "Bull," his friend said of him: "He never backed down from anything. There was nothing that Brandon couldn't do. There was no challenge that he couldn't overcome. He took on anything you put in front of him. He was just such a great guy."

Brandon was promoted posthumously from 1st Lieutenant to Captain, and is survived by his parents, Brett and Cindy, his sisters, Ashley Benavidez and Taylor Barrett, and his brother, Brock. He is buried in Indiana.

His page on Virtual Memorial Hall has many photos and a heartfelt remembrance from his classmate & friend, Major Ryan Pallas, USMC.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/BRANDON_A._BARRETT,_CAPT,_USMC

DANIEL B. BARTLE, CAPT, USMC

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

CAPT Daniel Bartle, USMC '06 was lost on January 19, 2012 when the CH-53D helicopter he was piloting crashed in Helmand province, Afghanistan. The other five Marines aboard were also killed; they were members of Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 363.

From "Shipmate":

Captain Daniel B. Bartle, USMC, died on 19 January 2012 in a helicopter crash while serving our country in Afghanistan. He was 27 years old.

"Dan" was born on 9 April 1984 in Salinas, CA, to John and Sandra Bartle. He lived in Missoula, MT, before moving to Ferndale, WA, as a high school freshman. He graduated as valedictorian from Ferndale High School in 2002 with a 4.0 GPA.

Upon graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2006 with a B.S.in electrical engineering and a minor in Spanish, which he spoke fluently, he chose to serve in the U.S. Marine Corps. He earned numerous awards and medals including two Air Medals, a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and a National Defense Service Medal.

His strong work ethic, love of laughter, and humility made him adored and admired by all those who were fortunate enough to have known him. Dan enjoyed traveling, snowboarding, kite surfing, power lifting and listening to music.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Michael, in 1997. He is survived by his parents, John and Sandra Bartle; sister, Sheila and her husband, John Davis and their children, Ashley Kennedy and Collin Davis; brother, John and his wife, Anastasia Bartle and their children, Hannah, Emma, Sophia, Ava and Julia; Michael's sons, Bishop and Devon Bartle and their mother, Shelly Verwolf; and many loving family members and friends.

Dan is buried in Missoula, Montana.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/DANIEL_B._BARTLE,_CAPT,_USMC

MICHAEL M. QUIN, CAPT, USMC

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

CAPT Michael Quin, USMC '06, was lost on February 22, 2012 when the helicopter he was piloting collided with another and crashed during a training exercise in Arizona. Six other Marines were also killed. He was a member of Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 469, preparing for a deployment to Afghanistan in April 2012.

A native of Purcellville, Virginia, he had recently become engaged.

Michael Quin seemed to have this sense of looking at "something else down the road," to his decision to join the Marine Corps, his father said. When Brad Quin asked him why he had applied to join the Corps, his son seemed to appreciate the support system the force represented, the way its members gave each other total support no matter their function or level within the Corps.

Michael was survived by his fiancée, his parents, and sisters.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/MICHAEL_M._QUIN,_CAPT,_USMC

BRIAN T. KENNEDY, CAPT, USMC

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

Brian Kennedy '07 was lost on January 14, 2016 when the helicopter he was aboard collided with another and crashed off the coast of Oahu, Hawaii. Eleven other Marines were also killed.

A native of Malvern, Pennsylvania, his Lucky Bag entry read:

"Intensity" being his middle name, Brian never did anything half-heartedly. He once passed out in the p-way from shouting too loud for the human body to handle. Fueled by Charlie Limas and his passion for all things Marine Corps, Brian stormed through the academy like one of the stockiest, slowest tanks in the U.S. arsenal. With his uncanny ability to find happiness in the darkest of times, and extreme anger in the brightest, there was never a dull moment with this strong-browed Philadelphia native. Brian kept his friends on their toes with a relentless onslaught of senseless jokes and unwelcome sound effects. Brian was a proud member of the legendary Dirty Thirty Class of '07, and as such shared some good times with good dudes. He is truly one of the finest human beings alive. We know you're gonna do the Boys proud BK, just don't push anybody down the stairs.

Brian was survived by his wife of 11 months, Major Paige Stull Kennedy, USMC; his parents; and his younger sister, Caitlin.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/BRIAN_T._KENNEDY,_CAPT,_USMC

VALERIE C. DELANEY, LT, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

LT Valerie Cappelaere Delaney, USN '09 was lost on March 11, 2013 when the EA-6B Prowler she was piloting crashed in Washington state. From the Lucky Bag:

As a member of the super seven, this lacrosse superstar is one of the most well-rounded girls I've ever met. Due to her multiple talents, she is often on the go. She may seem frantic and always in a hurry, but rightfully so! As a scholar in the most difficult major, she has also tacked on a language minor. Her chart and good looks make her appealing and approachable to all, but only her true friends can endure the snot rockets and love the chubby childhood pics. She mixes athleticism, academics, and rhythm as a song bird to bring her multifaceted profile to full circle. To figure out her complexities might just take a rocket scientist. May there be blue skies ahead for you Val!

Following graduation, she trained at Pensacola, Corpus Christi, and Meridian; she was designated a naval aviator in February 2012. Also in February 2012 she was married to a classmate, Sean Delaney.

"Wings for Val" is an organization started in her memory that provides scholarships to women pursuing careers in aviation. <wingsforval.org> From that site:

Valerie will always be remembered as a person of great integrity, strong faith, and an unyielding compassion for all those she met. Her legacy will be an inspiration to future aviators and all women. She is survived by her husband Sean, parents Doreen and Patrice, sisters Caroline and Allison, and grandmothers Carolyn and Raymonde.

To Honor!

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/VALERIE_C._DELANEY,_LT,_USN

NATHAN T. POLOSKI, LT, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

LT Nathan Poloski, USN '09 was lost on September 12, 2014 when the F/A-18 he was piloting collided with another while on deployment in the western Pacific. A classmate remembered him:

One thing is for certain, Nate Poloski lived his entire life full-speed ahead. He undoubtedly packed more into his 26 years of life than one could ever imagine. His intelligence was unmatched. His passion and loyalty was real. He pushed himself to be stronger, smarter, faster, and better dressed than everyone he met, which drove him to ultimately succeed in everything he ever attempted. No one doubted he would fly jets or even be a Blue Angel one day. He climbed mountains, hiked arduous trails, completed triathlons and so much more. He was an inspiration. Should you ever have a big dream or goal in life, think of what Nate would tell you: “What are you waiting for? Let's go!”

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/NATHAN_T._POLOSKI,_LT,_USN

WILLIAM B. MCILVAINE III, LTJG, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

LTjg William McIlvaine, III, USN '10 was lost on March 11, 2013 when the EA-6B Prowler he was aboard crashed while on a low-level training mission near Whidbey Island, Washington. Two other officers (Alan Patterson '00 and Valerie Cappelaere Delaney '09) were also killed.

Will's obituary:

Lt. j.g. William B. McIlvaine III was a true Renaissance man being equally at home with art, science and music, but his lifelong dream was to fly. The United States Naval Academy was his first and only choice to achieve his dream. McIlvaine was commissioned from the academy with merit in May 2010, earning a bachelor’s degree in chemistry.

In 2006, McIlvaine graduated from Deerfield Academy [Massachusetts]. There he served as a Proctor, a captain of the ski team and co-leader of the Mello-D's, a men's a cappella group. He was introduced to the bagpipes, an instrument that would frustrate and inspire him for the rest of his life. He played at most events at Deerfield including piping his class into their graduation. At graduation McIlvaine received the Music Prize, the Chemistry Prize and His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan, a fellow alumnus, awarded Will Deerfield's inaugural Prize for International Studies.

McIlvaine shared his love of music through his involvement with the Pipes and Drums during all four years at Annapolis, the Protestant Choir during plebe summer and the Men's Glee Club during his plebe year. He led the Pipes and Drums which toured the U.S.

Immediately after graduation from the Academy he was temporarily assigned duty at the Naval Academy Preparatory School in Newport, R.I. where he was awarded the Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medal for excellence in leadership.

Although his eyesight kept him from being a pilot, McIlvaine was thrilled to serve as a naval flight officer, earning his wings at NAS Pensacola in May 2012. From there, he selected EA-6B Prowlers and joined VAQ-129 at NAS Whidbey Island in June 2012.

McIlvaine’s genuine kindness and true humility fostered respect and friendship in all who knew him. A loving son and brother, a faithful friend and a loyal comrade in arms, he is and shall be forever missed by his family and many friends. However, he would never ask us to mourn his death rather to celebrate his life.

He is survived by his parents William and Stephan, his siblings Julia McIlvaine, Elizabeth Hauptfuhrer, Jonathan Hauptfuhrer, his grandparents Mr. and Mrs. William B. McIlvaine of Chicago and Mr. and Mrs. Philip Fanning of Coatesville, PA. He also leaves behind Lt j.g. Kristen Keelor, who will always be part of our lives as she was central to his.

To Honor! ⚓

http://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/WILLIAM_B._MCILVAINE_III,_LTJG,_USN

CALEB N. KING, LT, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

LT Caleb King, USN '12 had Theodore Roosevelt's "man in the arena" quote as the entirety of his Lucky Bag entry. A native of Port Orange, Florida, Caleb was a mainstay of the football team as a linebacker. Call sign "Juggernaut" for his imposing stature: 6' tall, 223 pounds in his playing days.

He and his wife (Victoria Gonzales '13) spent time in orphanages in Nicaragua and on other charitable works. They had a daughter.

Caleb's older brother, Joshua, said "I've been proud of my brother for God knows how long. He had the heart and the determination to do whatever he wanted to do. He lived a very short life, but he lived a very full life."

Caleb was lost when his F/A-18 Super Hornet crashed on approach to Naval Air Station Key West on March 24, 2018. He was the weapons systems operator; his pilot was also killed.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/CALEB_N._KING,_LT,_USN

9/11/21

Twenty years ago today fourteen of our alumni — our friends, shipmates, fathers, sons, brothers, husbands — were taken from us. Read about their lives, their service, and their incredible sacrifice.

We Remember. To Honor! ⚓

★ https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/CHARLES_F._BURLINGAME,_III,_CAPT,_USN_(RET.)

★ https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/KEVIN_P._CONNORS

★ https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/GERALD_F._DECONTO,_CAPT,_USN

★ https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/ROBERT_E._DOLAN,_CAPT,_USN

★ https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/WILLIAM_H._DONOVAN,_JR.,_CDR,_USN

★ https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/PATRICK_DUNN,_CDR,_USN

★ https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/WILSON_F._FLAGG,_RADM,_USN_(RET.)

★ https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/KENNETH_M._MCBRAYER

★ https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/MICHAEL_G._MCGINTY

★ https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/JONAS_M._PANIK,_LT,_USN

★ https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/DARIN_H._PONTELL,_LT,_USN

★ https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/RONALD_J._VAUK,_LCDR,_USNR

★ https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/KENNETH_E._WALDIE,_JR.

★ https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/JOHN_D._YAMNICKY,_SR.,_CAPT,_USN_(RET.)

JOHN O. CURTIS, LCDR, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

LCDR John Curtis, USN '35 was lost on this date (September 6) in 1943 when his F6F-3 Hellcat fighter crashed near Hawaii. Commanding officer of Fighting Squadron (VF) 24 and operating from USS Belleau Wood (CVL 24) at the time, in 1942 he had survived the sinking of both USS Yorktown (CV 5) at the Battle of Midway and USS Hornet (CV 8) at the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands.

A native of Altoon, Pennsylvania, John's roommate wrote in the Lucky Bag:

NEED a radio fixed? Sparks devours anything in the radio field, especially QST magazines. In the spring, you'll find him training a crew for the sailing races. We suspect it was the urge to sail that brought Uncle John down to the sea and Annapolis. Dragging never greatly interested this "Pennsylvania Wolunteer;" a hop takes away too much of his craved sleep. Besides dripping showers and writing letters, reveille is John's principal antipathy. If we all could only do our studying when asleep, as Okell must do! The Bull sessions on how the Navy should be run make us sure that "Curcuss" will crash through for the benefit of all hands. He won't need the "breaks", you can't keep a good sailor down.

John was unmarried and survived by his sister and brother.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/JOHN_O._CURTIS,_LCDR,_USN