EDWARD E. DEGARMO, LCDR, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

Edward DeGarmo '40 in the Lucky Bag: "When he isn't holding bunk drill, you can find him playing bridge (his favorite indoor and outdoor sport), dragging, reading, working cross-words, or doing a little private jitter-bugging to some hot tune by T. Dorsey. The ability to turn a hopelessly lost debate into apparent victory by resort to a technical point not even remotely connected with the subject is his outstanding characteristic. A typical, smooth-talking son of Ohio, Ed (the walking dictionary) has been a friend to all, always ready to do or try anything. We wish him luck in the Service and hope to be as good shipmates as we have been pals and roommates."

Ed began his service aboard USS Enterprise, but it's unclear what his wartime experience was prior to early 1945. From at least February to June, however, he was the commanding officer of Torpedo Squadron (VT) 82 aboard USS Bennington (CV 20). During these four short months he was awarded the Navy Cross, two Silver Stars, and four Distinguished Flying Crosses. His squadron participated in the destruction of the battleship Yamato and her escorts. Twice in one day he led raids over Tokyo.

On June 3, 1945, Ed was shot down and severely injured by antiaircraft fire over Okinawa while flying a resupply mission to forward Marines.

He was survived by his wife, to whom he was engaged in 1942.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/EDWARD_E._DEGARMO,_LCDR,_USN

CHARLES D. WITT, LT, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

LT Charles "Don" Witt, USN '59, was killed in action with Viet Cong forces while leading a two-boat river patrol on this day in 1967.

A member of 20th Company, his entry in the Lucky Bag: "A true citizen of the Lone Star State, Don's many and varied experiences prior to, and after, entering the Academy gave him a collection of all tales which provided welcome entertainment at any time. His friendly personality won him a wealth of companions throughout the Brigade. Enthusiastic about everything he did, Don added much to the design of the class crest as a member of the Ring Committee. In athletics, Don devoted his talent to rowing with the varsity 150 pound crew team. A "tin can sailor" since Youngster cruise, he is looking forward to a long and successful Naval career."

Don was survived by his wife, Kayte, and two children, Lisa and Dexter, and his parents.

A sailor from his first ship, 40 years after Don's loss: "Mr. Witt was the best Naval Officer I ever met."

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/CHARLES_D._WITT,_LT,_USN

THOMAS P. MCGRATH, LCDR, USN

LCDR Thomas McGrath, USN '40 in the Lucky Bag: "From the sands of Arizona "Tiny" came to the Navy ready for a scrap. Generally as gentle as a St. Bernard, nothing suits him better on the gridiron than a fight. Tom is ambitious in both athletics and academics. Plebe year it was shadow boxing his roommate, the "Shadow;" second class year, playing with a sixteen pound ball. Tiny is kind-hearted, generous, and always ready to render aid to his classmates. Claiming he is always losing weight, he diets on four desserts. A regulation fellow, well-liked, and respected by all, the Navy has in him no better material for a leader, an officer, and a gentleman."

He was the Regimental Commander for both the 2nd and 3rd sets.

Initially stationed aboard USS California (BB 44), sometime after April 1941 he transitioned into the submarine service.

He was lost when USS Pompano (SS 181) was sunk, likely on September 17, 1943, possibly by a mine north of the Japanese islands. Thomas was the boat's executive officer, and was awarded the Silver Star for "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action" during the boat's three war patrols.

Thomas was survived by his parents.

http://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/THOMAS_P._MCGRATH,_LCDR,_USN

DAVID H. SWENSON, JR., LTJG, USN

LTjg David Swenson, Jr., '48, was killed in action 70 years ago yesterday (September 13, 1950) when his destroyer was struck by shore artillery in Inchon harbor, Korea.

From the Lucky Bag: "Good-natured, full-of-fun Swede soon took to the Academy life. He spent his time excelling in football as well as playing hob with the Academic Departments' well-planned courses by starring in all of them. Swede used his little spare time helping his classmates through the toughies which came easy to him. Somehow he always found time for a game of bridge and the Saturday night movie. Swede's service to our class has been unselfish and outstanding and it's a sure bet that his record in the future will be just as good."

David was survived by his mother and brother. He was posthumously awarded the Silver Star for "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy."

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/DAVID_H._SWENSON,_JR.,_LTJG,_USN

EDGAR A. HOLLISTER, CAPT, USMC

Capt. Edgar Hollister, USMC '48 was killed in action with North Korean forces on October 27, 1952, while leading a flight engaged in close air support. He was posthumously awarded the Silver Star for his "gallantry and intrepidity."

From the Lucky Bag: "Holly is one of the saltier members of our class. He came to Navy via the Department of the Pacific and the Naval Academy Preparatory School. Being a true Montezuma Kid, he aspires to great heights in the Marine Corps. As far as extracurricular activities are concerned, Holly is equally at home on the football field or sacked out proclaiming the merits of Southern California. His spare time is spent by swimming, wrestling, playing pushball, or with his Book of Virile Verse. Ashore or at sea, this broad-shouldered Californian will prove to be a real Marine."

Edgar was survived by his wife, Marie.

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/EDGAR_A._HOLLISTER,_CAPT,_USMC

EDWARD E. DEGARMO, LCDR, USN

LCDR Edward Degarmo '40 in the Lucky Bag: "When he isn't holding bunk drill, you can find him playing bridge (his favorite indoor and outdoor sport), dragging, reading, working cross-words, or doing a little private jitter-bugging to some hot tune by T. Dorsey. The ability to turn a hopelessly lost debate into apparent victory by resort to a technical point not even remotely connected with the subject is his outstanding characteristic. A typical, smooth-talking son of Ohio, Ed (the walking dictionary) has been a friend to all, always ready to do or try anything. We wish him luck in the Service and hope to be as good shipmates as we have been pals and roommates."

Edward was lost on June 6, 1945 when his airplane was shot down near Okinawa.

He was commanding officer of Torpedo Squadron (VT) 82.

He was awarded the Navy Cross for his "extraordinary heroism" and "inspiring leadership."

He was awarded two Silver Stars for "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action".

He was awarded four Distinguished Flying Crosses for "heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight."

He was survived by his wife, Beatrice, and is buried in California.

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/EDWARD_E._DEGARMO,_LCDR,_USN