DAVID D. LAIRD, FLT LT, RCAF

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

David Laird was a member of the Class of 1942 until June 1940 when he was "permitted to resign." On this date (July 26) in 1944 he was killed when the light bomber he was piloting crashed during an armed reconnaissance flight near Florence, Italy. At the time he was a Flight Lieutenant with the Royal Canadian Air Force (flying with a Royal Air Force squadron); he had joined the RCAF sometime before December 1941.

Though he was born in Iowa, he grew up near Colgate University, New York, and was appointed to the Naval Academy from that state. Prior to his RCAF time he had been working as a radio repairman in Baltimore.

He was survived by his father and grandmother.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/DAVID_D._LAIRD,_FLT_LT,_RCAF

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

JOHN L. DONEFF, ENS, USN

John Doneff '43 graduated in June 1942 with the rest of his class. Commissioned an Ensign, he reported aboard USS Pensacola (CA 24) in the middle of July. He was killed in action four and a half months later, on November 30, 1942, when his ship was heavily damaged by torpedo and gunfire at the Battle of Tassafaronga (Fourth Battle of Savo Island). One hundred twenty four other officers and sailors were also killed.

From the Lucky Bag: "Sound off Mister." "Midshipman Bucket, fourth class, Sir!" And so by a slip of the tongue. John became "Bucket" to us, but in name only. His fine academic record hints of future progress in the Air Corps, his greatest aspiration. Always on the go, he was never too busy to "work that prob." On weekends at Dahlgren he could usually be found impressing someone's drag with "I'm just a clean cut kid." His card tricks stumped us, but selling suits a la Robber's Row was his specialty. Bucket's industry, sense of humor, and willingness to lend a hand will admit only of success in the fleet.

John was survived by his parents, and USS Doneff (DE 49) was named for him.

http://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/JOHN_L._DONEFF,_ENS,_USN