★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★
LT Michael Zurfluh '71, USN was lost on June 2, 1975 -- fifty years ago today -- when the aircraft he was piloting crashed into the Pacific Ocean near Barber's Point, Hawaii.
From his obituary:
Mike was born in Tacoma, Washington, son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert D. Zurfluh of 2205 Brookdale Road in Tacoma. From early childhood, Mike was an avid outdoorsman, sportsman and athlete. His school years were marked by academic excellence and outstanding achievement, as evidenced by his election as Student Body President at DuPont Junior High School and Franklin Pierce High School and his attainment of the rank of Eagle Scout at the age of 13.
Upon graduation from high school in 1967, Mike entered the U.S. Naval Academy as a member of the Class of 1971. His academy years were also highlighted by academic excellence and athletic prowess, especially in boxing where Mike won all of his fights and fought in the 127 pound class championship bout. He was also a member of the Naval Academy Flying Club.
After graduation from the Naval Academy and prior to reporting to the USS CACAPON (AO-52), Mike married the former Kathleen Margret Cook on June 12, 1971.
In January 1972, he entered Flight Training at Pensacola, Florida and was designated a Naval Aviator in November 1973 at Kingsville, Texas.
Mike then reported to Fleet Composite Squadron ONE and quickly gained the reputation of an outstanding Naval Officer and Naval Aviator, flying the A4E Skyhawk. He was a devoted husband and a loving father to his two sons, Steven Joseph, age 3, and Karl Robert, age 1.
Mike is best remembered for his true dedication to his country, the Navy and his shipmates, and his passing has left a very real void in all of our lives. Mike was lost at sea in the service of his country.
To Honor! ⚓
https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/MICHAEL_T._ZURFLUH,_LT,_USN