★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★
Maj David Buell '69, USMC, came to the Naval Academy from New Mexico Military Institute, following in his father’s footsteps. Classmates remembered him as an outstanding leader, a dedicated student, and someone known for his sense of humor, handstands in the hall, and ever-present puns. The 1969 Lucky Bag predicted that the Navy “couldn’t have asked for a finer officer.”
After graduation, David was commissioned in the Marine Corps and earned his wings as a naval aviator. His career included service in Vietnam, Hawaii, Quantico, and other assignments across the country. By 1983, he was serving as Executive Officer of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 115.
On November 4, 1983, David was killed when his F-4 Phantom crashed into the Atlantic off the coast of North Carolina. He was 35 years old. The aircraft had been participating in a memorial service honoring the Marines lost in the Beirut barracks bombing just days earlier. Air Force Captain Donald Spearel, serving as an exchange officer, was also killed in the crash.
Major Buell left behind his wife, Kari, and their three children.
To Honor! ⚓
https://v2.usnamemorialhall.org/honorees/maj-david-g-buell-usmc/