ENS. NEIL A. ARMSTRONG, III, USN - FEB. 18, 1952

(LB) "From the land of the bayou, this sandblower came to the Blue and Gold after serving time at Holy Cross and Tulane." Neil requested flight training after graduation, and later was killed in a mid-air collision at Corpus Christi, TX.

CPT. CARL H. ARVIDSON, USAF - DEC. 23, 1957

(LB) "Aside from dragging queens at the Academy,  he was a valuable member of the soccer team. Every day, at mail call, the mate received a bag of mail for the deck and a bag of mail for Swede." Carl died of injuries in an autmobile accident near Wrightstown, NJ. At the time of his death, he was a captain in the U.S. Air Force.

2LT. JAMES R. BOWERS, USAF - APR. 15, 1951

Jim completed basic pilot training at Randolph Air Force Base and was transferred to the 3575th Pilot Training Wing at Vance Air Force Base, Enid, OK. On his final cross country training flight from Enid to Waco, Texas, his plane, a T-28, developed engine trouble and crashed on a farm some twenty miles north of Reese Air Force Base, Lubbock, TX.

2LT. ANTHONY S. BUTLER, USAF - MAY 26, 1952

Tony was in Yale University's class of 1947, in ROTC, before entering the Naval Academy. Upon graduation, he chose  the Air Force and received navigator, bombadier and radar observor training at Perrin AFB, TX;  Ellington AFB, TX and Mather AFB, CA. He was killed in a B-45 aircraft crash at Langley AFB, VA.

1LT. CRAIG E. CROWLEY, USAF - OCT. 8, 1953

(LB) " With his athletic ability confined mostly to the underside of his trousers, Diz was able to make an extensive study of the ceiling from his sack when not engaged as a stellar bench-warmer for the 150 pound Football and  Lacrosse teams." Craig, an AOB (aerial observer bombardment), died as a First Lieutenant, USAF, in a B-45 aircraft accident at Norton AFB, CA. 

1LT. LORENZO J. DALEO, USAF - SEP. 7, 1954

Jim completed 86 combat missions in Korea, flying the F-86 jet aircraft. A flight leader in the 509th Fighter Bomber Squadron, he was killed in the crash of an F-86F while on landing approach at Langley AFB, VA.

ENS. CHARLES DOBONY, USN - FEB. 16, 1951

Prior to entering the Naval Academy, Chuck graduated from MIT under the V-12 Program, with a degree in aeronautical engineering and a commission as Ensign, USN. He had just won his wings at Pensacola when he succumbed to injuries sustained from being thrown from a horse.

NON-
GRADUATE

HERMAN L. DRISKELL - ???. ??, 1953

Killed in action in Korean War.

1LT. GEORGE W. DUNCAN, JR., USAF - JAN. 30, 1956

(LB) "Before his Academy days, George gathered laurels from many states'  various track championships. He carried this ability to Thompson Stadium to become one of our Track Team mainstays." George died at Mildenhall, England from injuries sustained in the accident of an aircraft which he commanded.

CPT. JOHN R. DUNHAM, USAF - OCT. 7, 1952

John took flight training at Randolph AFB, TX and navigator training at Ellington AFB, TX. He ws then assigned to the 91st Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron in B-29's at Yakota, Japan. His flight was declared missing on 7 October, 1952, shot down by two MIG's. Four decades later, his class ring was returned to his widow, Mary,  by Vasili Saiko, a soviet border guard, who was later brought to the United States by the class of 1950 for a final tribute to "Chute" at Arlington National Cemetery with full honors. The full story of John and Mary Dunham  may be seen in "Tale or Two" on our class of 1950 website.

NON-
GRADUATE

EDWIN L. ELSTON - ???. ??, 1951

LTJG. HUBERT T. EVANS, USN - FEB. 16, 1953

Hub started his Navy career in the V-12 program at Denison University, Granville, OH. After graduation at USNA, he received his wings at Pensacola, FL and was flying off the USS Philippine Sea when he crashed in a Navy F-9F jet returning from a Korean combat mission.

ENS. DONALD F. FANT, USN - FEB. 3, 1952

(LB) "One of Don's first characteristics to become known to us after his arrival here from NAPS was his quick wit and mastery of the droll."  Don served for five months aboard the USS Bristol before receiving orders to flight training at Pensacola. He was undergoing advanced flight training at Corpus Christi when he was fatally injured in a traffic accident.

LTJG. HARRY R. FLORY, JR., USN - SEP. 6, 1952

(LB) "After two years in bell bottoms, he entered the Naval Academy. An ardent sailor, Rusty could be found almost any fall or spring afternoon on the Chesapeake." Harry was killed on a Corsair familiarization flight.

LT. CHARLES R. GALLOWAY, JR., USN - NOV. 4, 1958

After graduation, Rench was assigned to USS Fitch (DMS-25). He won his wings at Pensacola and joined VS-22 at NAS, Norfolk, VA. He was transferred to VA-85 at Oceana, VA in 1955. In 1956 he taught navigation at the Officers Candidate School, Newport, RI. He sustained injuries in an automobile accident in 1957, was medically retired, and died while a patient at the Veterans Administration hospital, Little Rock, AR.

LTJG. THOMAS M. GARDINER, III, USN - JUL. 26, 1954

Hap remained at the Naval Academy after graduation teaching steam to Plebes. Flight training at Pensacola and Corpus Christi was followed by a tour with VF-93, aboard the USS Philippine Sea, for the last eight months of the Korean war. Aboard the USS Hornet, his plane veered over the side and sank almost immediately during operations in the China Sea.

LTJG. KENDALL C. GEDNEY, USN - MAR. 9, 1953

 Ken came to USNA from Yale and the Navy V-5 Program at Union College, Schenectady, NY. After jet fighter training, Ken joined VF-51 aboard USS Valley Forge. His plane was hit by anti-aircraft fire and crashed behind enemy lines south of Wansan, Korea

LT. ELLEGOOD V. GRIFFIN, JR., USN - APR. 5, 1959

Griff served aboard USS Boxer (CV-21). Following flight training he joined VF-54 at NAS, Miramar, CA. He was with Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Three at the Naval Air Facility, Elizabeth City, NC, as a pilot, legal officer and assistant personnel officer in 1954-1956. He instructed Plebe math in 1957. He was released from active duty and joined the Clevite Corp., Washington, DC. He was an active member of the Naval Reserve Unit at Anacostia, and was killed when his plane exploded on a landing approach to Pawtuxent River NAS.

LTJG. MORGAN K. GROOVER, JR., USN - MAR. 11, 1951

(LB) "Straight from the great Southwest and proud of it, the Mex, a natural brain, managed to triumph over his studies and also have time for good music and bridge, not to mention the dragging of beautiful women." He was aboard USS St. Paul, off Inchon when, having drawn the short straw, skippered a motor cruise launch and drowned when it capsized on the ferocious tidal currents in the harbor.

LT. EDWARD S. GUTHRIE, JR., USAF - ???. ??, 1952

He transferred to the Class of 1951.

LTJG. SILAS C. HART, JR., USN - JAN. 2, 1953

Si attended one year at VMI before entering the Academy. After graduation he served as assistant navigator aboard USSSalem. Following flight training at Pensacola and Corpus Christi, he was assigned toVC-4 at Atlantic City flying night missions in F4U Corsairs. He was killed making an instrument approach to the Naval Air Station, Atlantic City, NJ, on a flight from Key West, FL

.

LTJG. HOUSTON C. HAYWARD, USN - JAN. 31, 1953

(LB) " Music in various forms captured most of his spare time. Hugh did a splendid job organizing the Twelve-Fifties, a triple quartet which performed frequently at the Academy and representing it at concerts in Washington, DC and Baltimore, MD." Hugh was killed in a mid-air collision with a squadron mate of VF-61 in the Mediterranean Sea.

CPT. EDWARD C. HOTZ, JR., USAF - MAY 5, 1953

(LB) "V-5, V-12 and N.R.O.T.C. helped prepare Ed for the Naval Academy where he easily built a reputation as the most regulation man in the Brigade. He was active in athletics, being a member of both the Varsity Track and Wrestling teams." A note from James Eddings, Oroville, WA, Ed's nephew, says that Ed "died at Perrin AFB in Texas and NOT in Japan. His canopy blew off on take off and then the jet exploded. My Mother (his sister) believed till her dying day that Ed was killed by the North Koreans as he was on their infamous Black List." Editor's note:A story about Ed appears in my book "The Halls of Navy" as follows: SMOKER, Ken Hoge; "I think this occurred on our Second Class cruise on the USS Coral Sea. Smokers were held on Fridays when we were at sea, at which Middies would provide entertainment. Eager Ed Hotz took on another Middie imitating a professional wrestling match. Both contestants were actually members of the academy wrestling team so they knew what they were doing. Ed Hotz played the good guy. He must have been about forty pounds lighter than his opponent. But Ed was strong. His stomach looked like a washboard as a result of the many sit-ups he would do. Ed's chest measured about 43 inches and his waist was a slender 30 inches. As they hit each other, they would pound a foot to the canvas so that it would seem like they were really hitting each other hard. Ed even had some capsules containing red ink to simulate blood. At opportune times he would break a capsule.They really threw each other around the ring. Ed finally won, but then the good guy always wins. I think they put on a better show than any of the professionals I've seen on TV. Ubfortunately Ed passed on shortly after graduation."

LTJG. JAMES A. HUDSON, USN - DEC. 22, 1952

Jim underwent flight training at Pensacola and Corpus Christi. He won his wings flying AD Skyraiders. He was assigned to USS Oriskany and departed from San Diego on a WestPac cruise in September, 1952. Jim was shot down on his 18th mission over North Korea.

LTJG. THOMAS E. JENIKE, USN - AUG. 1, 1952

Tom joined the Navy via the V-12 program at Case Institute of Applied Science, followed by Radar School in Biloxi, MS. He won his wings in 1952 and was assigned to USS Roosevelt. While flying, he experienced engine failure. He reported a "cut gun" and started his glide followed by two squadron mates. Tom elected to ditch on the beach of tiny Navassa Island in the Caribbean. As his AD skidded to a stop, the plane burned. More is available at the Class of 1950 website.

ENS. JOSEPH H. KIBBEY, II, USN - JAN. 29, 1953

(LB) "He labored initially at Rutherford Prep and NAPS before finally taking the fateful oath. Once he did, his second home became the natatorium, where he gained renown with our Varsity Swimming Squad." He underwent flight training at Pensacola. In 1951, Joe contracted amoebic dysentery, complicated by ulcerative colitis and died at St. Albans Naval Hospital.

LTJG. ROBERT M. KING, USN - JAN. 25, 1954

Bob served on the USS Midway, followed by flight training at Pensacola and Corpus Christi. He then joined VA-85 at the Naval Air Station, Oceana, VA, flying AD aircraft. He was lost during night carrier operations off USS Midway on a Mediterranean cruise.

1LT. DONALD S. KOBEY, USAF - MAR. 6, 1952

Don chose the Air Force upon graduation and received his jet pilot wings at Williams AFB, AZ, in 1951. He was assigned overseas and met death in an aircraft accident in Korea.

2LT. HAMILTON E. MCDOWELL, JR., USAF - SEP. 21, 1951

Mac was an all-round athlete as well as an all-round buddy. He played football at Texas A&M and was also a member of the track team. He took basic training at Connally AFB, Waco, TX and advanced training at Chandler, AZ Upon transfer to gunnery school near Los Vegas, he crashed shortly after take off due to monoxide poisoning.

NON-
GRADUATE

ROWLAND M. MURPHY - ???. ??, 1953

Killed in action, Korean War.

1LT. CEDRIC A. PETERSON, JR., USAF - DEC. 7, 1953

(LB) "The possessor of a sympathetic ear, a helping hand, and an array of femme fables, Pete knew how to get the spice out of life so as to flavor the dark days of those around him."

LTJG. WILLIAM H. PRAVITZ, USN - JAN. 6, 1955

Bill chose the Navy Supply Corps.. He was Supply Officer of the USS Hollister. Shore duty in Washington, DC followed and then orders to report to the Pearl Harbor area. On the trip across country, Bill and his family stopped in Cleveland, OH to visit Dusty Dunham, then on duty at the Finance Center, and his wife Jean. In Cleveland, Bill contracted a serious kidney ailment and died within a few days.

LTJG. FRANK H. RAAB, USN - SEP. 27, 1952

(LB) "Bringing with him a liking for athletics, movies, and psychology books, Hank quickly acclimated himself to the changed environment and proceeded to become an outstanding member of Navy's Track and Cross-Country Teams. No point was too small for this discerning individual, whose concern for detail and correctness was second to none." He crashed, while flying an F6F, on a cross country hop.

CPT. GERALD L. RASMUSSEN, USAF - FEB. 15, 1955

(LB) "Intramural football, basketball, and softball, along with activity on the Tennis Team, proved his athletic versatility. Sharp-eyed, alert, with a pleasant disposition, appreciation for good conversation and brew, and accompanied by his endless desire for chow and sleep, Rass did much to make our Academy lives more enjoyable and meaningful."

2LT. WILBUR R. SPRADLING, JR., USAF - JUL. 22, 1952

After graduation, Bill chose the Air Force. His flight training took place at Perrin Field in Dennison, TX and at Nellis AFB, Las Vegas, NV where he won his wings as a jet bomber pilot. Bill requested overseas duty and was ordered to the Far East in the summer of 1951. He was apparently shot down just as he was coming out of a dive from a bombing run on a target.

1LT. WILLIAM B. TAYLOR, USAF - DEC. 10, 1953

(LB) "During his four years, Bill had varying interests; soccer, bridge, and his favorite study, mathematics. Before entering the Academy, Bill attended the University of Alabama, where he majored in Engineering. With this background, academics came easily and, consequently, studying occupied a minor portion of his time."

1LT. JAMES W. WILLS, JR., USAF - APR. 12, 1953

Jim won his wings as an F-84 Thunderjet pilot in the Air Force. During the height of the Korean War, he was shot down on his 66th mission, just after completing his bombing run  on a target bridge in North Korea. His decorations include the Air Medal with three oak leaf clusters, the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Purple Heart.