★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★
Major Michael Compton '71, USMC was lost when the helicopter he was aboard as a passenger crashed shortly after takeoff on July 18, 1984. "A federal accident investigator said Thursday that low-level maneuvers in which the aircraft climbs suddenly over a hill to fire its weapons likely were being conducted," during a demonstration flight, according to the Arizona Republic report on the accident.
His family sued McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Co.; the civilian-model helicopter he was aboard had been painted and outfitted to look like an attack helicopter but lacked military features including a damage-resistant fuel system; they ultimately settled out of court for $2.5 million. Michael was aboard the helicopter to evaluate its suitability for the Marine Corps.
From the Lucky Bag:
"Comps" has been a "gruntling" all his life. Raised in THE service, Mike's professional training started long before he came to the Academy from Orlando, Fla. It would be false to say that Mike will go to the Marine Corps after graduation, for he really has always been there. Although the Academic Department won a few of the earlier battles, Mike's perseverance won the war for him in marine biology. Plebe year and his first cruise weren't enough for Mike, so he decided to fight mosquitoes and swamp fever at Jungle Warfare School in Panama Youngster year. Mike's reputation as a barber spread fast, especially after his company officer found him at work. A frequenter of drag strips, Comps is a lover of "machines" and proved to be a natural on the Car Committee. As a Brigade boxer, Mike has left his mark on many men. As a friend, he has affected many more.
Michael was survived by his wife, six children, and parents.
To Honor! ⚓
https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/MICHAEL_R._COMPTON,_MAJ,_USMC