CARY P. JONES, ENS, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

ENS Cary Jones, USN '81 was lost on July 8, 1982 when the T-44 training aircraft she was aboard collided with another near Corpus Christi, Texas. All five other officers aboard the two aircraft were also killed.

From the September 1982 issue of Shipmate:

Ens. Jones is believed to be the first Naval Academy female graduate and the first female Navy aviator killed in a plane crash. Memorial services were held at the Naval Academy Chapel on 13 July with Chaplains Charles L. Greenwood '50, Roger W. Pierce and Barry C Black officiating, and interment was in Arlington National Cemetery.

Reporting to the Naval Academy with a presidential appointment, Ens. Jones came from a Navy background. Both her maternal grandfather, William L. Maxson of the Class of 1921 and her paternal grandfather, George Lorraine Jones Jr., of the Class of 1927, were Academy graduates, and her father, LCol. David B. Jones USAF (Ret.) was a member of the Class of 1953.

Upon graduation with the Class of 1981, Ens. Jones chose naval aviation as her specialty and had successfully completed primary training at Pensacola. Within two months of receiving her naval wings, she was posthumously designated naval aviator on 10 July, and she aspired to eventually go to test pilot school and then to become an astronaut.

As a midshipman Ens. Jones was known as an active, exuberant and energetic member of the Class of 1981. She was a battalion subcommander in her first class year, was a cheerleader for three years, took an overload in mathematics in order to pursue her master's degree after graduation, and had leading roles in the musicals Damn Yankee and Fiddler on the Roof as a Masquerader. Among the hundreds of midshipmen, friends and acquaintances attending her services at the Academy Chapel were her Classmates, Ens. Wendy B. Lawrence USN, Ens. Mary A. Brigden USN, both of whom participated in the funeral service, and Ens. Dennis Sawyer USN, her class president. She was a life member of the Naval Academy Alumni Association.

She is survived by her parents, LCol. (USAF Ret.) and Mrs. David B. Jones ... a sister, Lorrie, a naval lieutenant stationed in San Diego; and a brother, David.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/CARY_P._JONES,_ENS,_USN

DAVID M. SPERLING, LTJG, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

LTjg David Sperling, USN '81 was lost on July 16, 1984 when his KA-6D Intruder crashed at "Mount Taebaeksan while clearing the range near Pusan, Republic of Korea" while on a training mission. He was the bombardier/navigator; the pilot was also lost. They were members of Attack Squadron (VA) 115, normally aboard USS Midway but operating from Atsugi AFB, Japan.

David was a native of Pensacola, Florida ("among many other places"), having attended school in Lemoore, California, Monterey, California, and Stuttgart, Germany. He ultimately graduated from high school in Italy.

He was an Eagle Scout and enjoyed scuba diving, racquet ball, and snow skiing.

David was survived by his parents (his father was class of 1952), his sister, and his brother.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/DAVID_M._SPERLING,_LTJG,_USN

THOMAS R. DOYLE, LT, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

LT Thomas Doyle, USN '81 was lost on August 21, 1984 when the A-7 Corsair II he was piloting struck the ramp on landing approach to USS Midway (CV 41). The ship was operating in the East China Sea at the time.

From the December 1984 issue of Shipmate:

Lt. Thomas Richard Doyle USN was lost at sea in an aircraft accident on 21 August 1984 while operating from USS MIDWAY (CV-41) in the East China Sea. Memorial services were held on board MIDWAY on 26 August and in Woodland Hills, California, on 27 August.

The son of Cdr. and Mrs. James P . Doyle USN (Ret.), he was born in Bethesda, Maryland, and reared in Southern California. Upon graduation from high school he received a Presidential appointment to the Naval Academy and was graduated with the Class of 1981. A mechanical engineering major, he was active in intramural sports and was Color Company Commander in his first class year.

Following graduation he reported to Pensacola, Florida, for flight training and was designated Naval Aviator in April 1983. Upon completion of A-7E replacement training with Attack Squadron 122 in Lemoore, California, he reported to Attack Squadron 56, permanently deployed on board MIDWAY in Yokosuka, Japan.

He is survived by his parents, two brothers, and three sisters. One brother, LCdr. Patrick R. Doyle USN '72 is serving in the same squadron.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/THOMAS_R._DOYLE,_LT,_USN

GLENN D. ZIEGLER, LT, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

LT Glenn Ziegler, USN '81 was lost on April 1, 1985 when the A-6 Intruder he was aboard crashed off the coast of Venezuela during a training mission. He was the bombardier-navigator; the pilot (LCDR Derek Holmquist '73) was also killed. They were members of Attack Squadron (VA) 35, operating from USS Nimitz (CVN 68).

Glenn was a native of Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania. In high school he played basketball, soccer, and lacrosse, as well as serving on the student council. At the Naval Academy he played soccer and lacrosse his plebe year.

He was survived by his parents and a brother.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/GLENN_D._ZIEGLER,_LT,_USN

MICHAEL F. WILSON, LT, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

LT Michael Wilson, USN '81 was lost when his A-6E crashed shortly after takeoff from Oceana Naval Air Station on May 22, 1986. The pilot, LT James Hoban, was also killed, as was a pregnant woman on the ground. He was en route to Puerto Rico to join USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67).

He graduated Shawnee High School in Medford Lakes, New Jersey; he was captain of the soccer team and an all-state selectee. At the Naval Academy he was soccer team captain for both his 1/c and 2/c years. The men's team awards the Lt. Michael F. Wilson Soccer Award to the player who best demonstrates the strongest will to win and desire to do the best for his team.

Following graduation he spent six months at the Philadelphia Navy Yard and then began flight training at Pensacola, Florida. He had deployed once aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) to the Mediterranean Sea.

Michael was survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Wilson Jr., a brother, and three sisters.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/MICHAEL_F._WILSON,_LT,_USN

WILLIAM M. DAVIDSON, LT, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

LT William Davidson, USN '81 was lost on June 18, 1987 when his F-14A Tomcat crashed in North Carolina while practicing for an airshow. He was the pilot; the Radar Intercept Officer (LT Matt Columbo '82) was also lost. They were both members of Fighter Squadron (VF) 33.

A native of Beaufort, South Carolina, William spent a year at the Naval Academy Preparatory School in Newport, Rhode Island. At the academy he was known for his "varied interest, so long as it included sailing somehow."

He was survived by his wife, Lisa, as well as his parents, a brother, and a sister.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/WILLIAM_M._DAVIDSON,_LT,_USN

PAUL C. STATION, LT, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

LT Paul Station, USN '81 was lost on May 24, 1988 when he drowned at the 32nd Street Naval Station, San Diego, California, during a training dive. He was a member of SEAL Team 5.

A native of Port Washington, Wisconsin, Paul's Lucky Bag entry read:

When he first arrived at USNA, P.C. had set lofty goals for himself. By the time he left they had been lowered considerably, giving way to more important considerations such as rack time. To this end he chose a nice safe major in Political Science. While generally conceded he should have gone to the German Naval Academy, his Wisconsin temperament stood him well in everything he did. A possible exception was Brigade Boxing, which he managed to win in spite of being mellow. Still, not everything here agreed with him, his roommate played the stereo much too loud and one summer he had such a good time he extended his leave. He was always a master at getting out of things. Many clubs held his interest because they had lunchtime meetings and he managed to get out of drill for three semesters. He will be remembered as a quiet guy who got things done (better late than never) and was well-liked, especially by his German prof.

From the July-August 1988 issue of Shipmate:

Paul was born in Evergreen Park, Illinois, and attended High School in Port Washington, Wisconsin. He was a Brigade Boxing Champion and majored in Political Science. Upon graduation Paul attended SWOS and was subsequently assigned to USS STEIN (FF-1065), where he completed two WestPac cruises as Damage Control Assistant and Gunnery Officer.

In January 1985, Paul entered Basic Underwater Demolition/Seal Training in Coronado, California, and upon graduation from BUD/S Class 133 was assigned to Seal Team Three where he made two more WestPac tours as a Platoon Commander. Paul reported to Seal Team Five in August 1987.

Paul was an outstanding individual who excelled in every endeavor. He enriched many people's lives and all who knew him share a profound sense of loss.

Survivors include his parents, Mr. and Mrs. James E. Station, and his sister, Joanne Station.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/PAUL_C._STATION,_LT,_USN

ROBERT N. MATHENY, LT, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

LT Robert Matheny, USN '81 was lost on June 20, 1988 when the A-4 Skyhawk aircraft he was piloting crashed off the coast of Virginia. He was a member of Fighter Squadron (VF) 43, based at Oceana, Virginia.

From the October 1998 issue of Shipmate:

Lt. Robert (Bob) N. Matheny was killed 20 June 1988 while on a training mission for VF-43 in the Virginia Capes operating area. As of this writing, the A-4 accident is currently under naval investigation. The funeral was held at St. Mary's Church in Bolivar, New York, on 27 June.

Bob was born 12 October 1959 and grew up in Bolivar, New York, graduating from Bolivar Central High School in 1977. Bob was very active in numerous sports, extracurricular, and community activities during his pre-Academy days. Bob graduated from the Academy in 1981 with his degree in aeronautical engineering and as a star letterman on the rugby team before selecting Naval Aviation as his career path.

He completed flight training at Pensacola and Meridian before accepting his initial assignment as part of the adversary squadron in Subic Bay, the Philippines. As part of the "Checker Tails" Bob flew throughout the area for 16 months before reporting to his next duty in Oceana, Virginia with VF-11. Bob flew F-14's off of FORRESTAL with VF-11 and then off of SARATOGA with VF-74 before transferring to VF-43.

Throughout his career. Bob was extremely active in community youth groups. During his time in Pensacola he coached championship basketball and football teams, and was personally recognized with his own key to the city and the dedication of Robert Matheny Day, 27 February 1982, for his efforts with the Youth Organization. Bob was also recognized and honored with a citation from the Virginia Beach JC's and Chamber of Commerce. Bob is to be recognized with an article in their national publication for his leadership and guidance to area youth organizations.

Survivors include parents and family of Bolivar, New York, and too many friends to possibly mention. Bob's spirit for life and concern for the development of the student-athlete will be continued with the Lt. Robert Matheny Student-Athlete Scholarship Fund for Bolivar Central High School Students.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/ROBERT_N._MATHENY,_LT,_USN

JAMES H. LOVE, LT, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

LT James Love, USN '81 was lost on December 19, 1990 when his helicopter crashed into the Pacific Ocean about 700 miles northeast of Guam. He was operating from USS Tripoli (LPH 10); the other three men aboard were also killed.

From the April 1991 issue of Shipmate:

Born on 23 June 1959 in Baltimore, Maryland, he was appointed to the Naval Academy from Maryland with the Class of 1981. He left the Academy and completed his degree at Towson State University, Towson, Maryland. He re-entered the Navy under the Aviation Officer Candidate program and won his commission on 13 August 1982.

After receiving his wings as a helicopter pilot, he was stationed with HC-8 at NAS Norfolk; he made two deployments to the Mediterranean and was awarded the Navy Achievement Medal.

Lt. Love then reported to HC-3, NAS North Island, California, as an H-46 FRS instructor pilot. He held jobs as flight scheduler, NATOPS officer and finally as the H-46 NATOPS model manager.

In TRIPOLI, his assignment was in Air Operations.

Lt. Love is survived by his wife, Cynthia and three children, Erin, James Matthew, and Bethany Marie; and his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Love, of Annapolis.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/JAMES_H._LOVE,_LT,_USN

DAN D. DEWISPELAERE, LCDR, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

LCDR Dan DeWispelaere, USN '81 was lost on October 10, 1991 when the A-6E Intruder he was piloting crashed near Wenatchee, Washington. The bombardier/navigator aboard was also killed; they were members of Attack Squadron (VA) 155.

From the January/February 1992 issue of "Shipmate":

LCdr. DeWispelaere was born in the District of Columbia. Growing up in a military family at various bases in this country and Norway, he graduated from Mount Vernon High School in Alexandria, Va. He entered the Naval Academy and graduated with the Class of 1981.

Following graduation he entered flight training and was designated a Naval Aviator in 1983. Following A-6 training with VA-128 at NAS Whidbey Island he reported to VA-196. His next tour of duty was with VA-128 as an instructor pilot and Familiarization Stage Phasehead. Next came assignment to VA-155 where he deployed to the North Arabian Gulf as part of Carrier Air Wing 2 onboard RANGER. He flew in 43 days of combat operations during Operation Desert Storm.

His decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat '"V," Air Medal with Combat "V," Navy Commendation Medal with Combat '"V," and various campaign, unit, and service awards.

Survivors include his wife Marilyn, sons Tim, Dan Jr., and Nicholas, and daughter Melanie, all of Oak Harbor, Wash.; his parents, Capt. and Mrs. Earl L. DeWispelaere of Alexandria, Va.; his brother Earl, Jr of Denver, Colo.; and his sister LeeAnne D. Whitworth of Wendell, N.C.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/DAN_D._DEWISPELAERE,_LCDR,_USN

Beirut Bombing

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

Forty years ago today - October 23, 1983 - four Naval Academy alumni were among those killed in the bombing of the Marine barracks at Beirut, Lebanon.

Captain Vincent Smith, USMC '76

Lieutenant James Surch, Jr., USN '77

1st Lieutenant Donald Woollett, USMC '80

1st Lieutenant David Nairn, USMC '81

All were members of the 1st Battalion, 8th Marines.

The annual Beirut Memorial Observance is scheduled for 10:30AM today (Monday, 10/23), at Lejeune Memorial Gardens, 100 Montford Landing Road, Jacksonville, North Carolina. Organized by the Beirut Memorial Advisory Board and the City of Jacksonville (NC) in cooperation with MCB Camp Lejeune, the observance honors those killed and the survivors of the Beirut bombing. This ceremony is open to the public, and will also be live-streamed on the City of Jacksonville Facebook page and available for viewing on G10TV, G10TV.org, and the City's Youtube channel. (Thank you to CAPT Allan Nadolski, USN (Ret.) '77 for this information.)

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/Category:Beirut_Bombing