JAMES C. RADNEY, LCDR, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

LCDR James Radney '73, USN was lost on September 28, 1982 when the SH-2F Seasprite helicopter he was piloting News-Press crashed near Fort Myers, Florida. The other men aboard were injured but survived.

From Shipmate:

Appointed to the Naval Academy from the State of Texas, he was an active member of the 150 lb. football team and served as Twelfth Company commander before graduation with the Class of 1973. His academic excellence as a midshipman resulted in his assignment immediately after graduation to the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, where he received a master of science degree in oceanography in 1974.

Prior to flight training, he served on board USS KENNEDY (CV-67) as engineering officer and was qualified as both engineering officer and surface warfare officer. He also had the distinction of qualifying in two warfare specialties with his designation as a naval aviator in July 1979. He was assigned to Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron Light THIRTY-SIX (HSL-36), where he served as a helicopter aircraft commander and officer-in- charge of Det 5 at the time of his death. He had been officer-in-charge of HSL-36 detachments aboard USS JOHN HANCOCK (DD98-I), USS PHARRIS (FF-I094) and USS NICHOLSON (DD-982), and was awarded the Navy Achievement Medal for his role in special operations conducted while aboard PHARRIS. He was in receipt of orders to be flag lieutenant for Commander Naval Forces Caribbean at the time of his death. He was a member of the Naval Academy Alumni Association.

He is survived by his widow Cindy Salcher and son Derek Emerson, of Neptune Beach FL; his parents, Ridgley Dexter, a former Navy pilot, and Jo Ann; a brother Larry, a former Navy dentist, and sister Kelly.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/JAMES_C._RADNEY,_LCDR,_USN

DEREK E. HOLMQUIST, LCDR, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

LCDR Derek Holmquist '73, USN was lost on April 1, 1985 when the A-6 Intruder he was piloting crashed in Panama during a training mission. The bombardier/navigator, LT Glenn Ziegler '81, USN, was also killed.

Derek graduated from high school in McLean, Virginia, where he was active in several clubs and societies, and a member of the football, wrestling, and track teams. At the Naval Academy he was on the rugby team.

He was survived by his wife, daughter, son, and parents (Carl '43 and Lavinia).

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/DEREK_E._HOLMQUIST,_LCDR,_USN

ROBERT K. CHRISTENSEN, CDR, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

CDR Robert Christensen '73, USN was lost when the F/A-18 he was piloting crashed off the coast of Vieques on the night of July 24, 1992. He was the commanding officer of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 37 and was flying from USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67). A native of North Babylon, New York, Robert earned his wings in December 1974.

His first operational tour was flying an A-7 Corsair II. In 1978 he began a tour as flight instructor and landing signals officer. In 1985 he was a semi-finalist pilot for NASA's astronaut group 11. He transitioned to the F/A-18 in 1991 when the squadron was re-equipped and re-designated. He had over 4,800 flight hours in 34 different aircraft, and over 900 traps on 15 different carriers.

Robert was survived by his parents.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/ROBERT_K._CHRISTENSEN,_CDR,_USN

THOMAS J. EVANS, CAPT, USMC

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

CAPT Thomas Evans '74, USMC was lost on April 6, 1977 when the AV-8 Harrier "jump jet" he was piloting crashed at Beaufort, South Carolina.

From the Lucky Bag:

Becoming a member of Mother B’s Mickey Mouse Club after spending most of his life in Ramsey, N.J., T.J. had hopes of playing ball for Navy. After trying out for basketball and baseball and becoming an instant success in neither of them, his interests quickly changed to that of survival, as he sweated through plebe year. This attitude was soon changed due mainly to two months spent on an LPD and his love for the parties and card games. Life became bearable at good ol’ USNA, thanks given mainly to a close knit group of friends and a long string of luck at the Friday night get togethers that paid for those long distance phone calls to his OAO in Florida. Forsaking Navy Air to become a member of the men in green, T has hopes that this will better his chances for flying the plane of his choice.

Thomas was a native of Ramsey, New Jersey; in high school he was co-captain of both the basketball and baseball teams. He was married following graduation, and was also survived by a two-year-old son, his parents, and brother.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/THOMAS_J._EVANS,_CAPT,_USMC

STEPHEN G. LABARRE, LTJG, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

LTjg Stephen LaBarre '74, USN was lost on March 22, 1978 when the SH-3 Sea King he was piloting crashed near Fallon, Nevada. He was a member of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 4, which was based at North Island Naval Air Station, California.

From the July-August 1978 issue of Shipmate:

A native of Pennsylvania, he was graduated with the Class of 1974. While at the Naval Academy he was an active participant in the Masqueraders. Upon graduation he was temporarily assigned to VA-15 until October 1974 when he entered flight training. In January 1976 he completed this training and then specialized in the Sea King twin-turbine amphibious ASW helicopter as a replacement pilot. He was serving with HS-4 at NAS, North Island, San Diego, as a helicopter second pilot and as the squadron training officer at the time of his death.

He is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Vernon LaBarre of Pen Argyl, PA; and a brother, Lt. (jg) Alan LaBarre USN serving in USS Jason (AR-8).

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/STEPHEN_G._LABARRE,_LTJG,_USN

MICHAEL T. ZURFLUH, LT, USN

★★★ 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

RANDY A. MIKAL, LT, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

LT Randy Mikal '74, USN was lost on November 2, 1978 when the S-3A Viking he was aboard crashed into a mountain near Cubi Point Naval Air Station. The other three men aboard the aircraft were killed as well; they were members of Air Anti-Submarine Squadron (VS) 37, which was stationed aboard USS Constellation (CV 64).

At the Naval Academy he was a left guard on the football team. The Class of 1974 column in the January-February 1979 issue of Shipmate mentioned his loss and said, "He was a fine guy and a friend to us all. Our deepest sympathy Robin."

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/RANDY_A._MIKAL,_LT,_USN

ALLEN R. GLENNY, LT, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

LT Allen Glenny '74, USN was lost on April 17, 1980 when the P-3C Orion patrol plane he was aboard crashed during an aerial demonstration at Pago Pago, American Samoa. Five others aboard the aircraft were killed, as was a man on the ground. The aircrew were members of Patrol Squadron (VP) 50.

From Shipmate:

Lt. Glenny was appointed to the Naval Academy from the State of Massachusetts and was graduated with the Class of 1974. After flight training he was designated naval aviator in 1975 and was serving with Patrol Squadron FIFTY, based at Moffett Field, California, at the time of the accident. As a midshipman he had been a member of the varsity football team from 1970-73, and was the starting quarterback as a first classman. He ranked fifth in the number of yards gained at the Academy, and fifth in career passing. He also held the Academy record for the highest average gain per play, with an average of 12.7 yards against Air Force in 1973.

On the date of the accident, the Orion aircraft was participating in an Independence Day celebration in the capital of that U.S. territory in the South Pacific. The structure into which it crashed, the Rainmaker Hotel, was the largest luxury hotel on the island, and it was in the old wing of the building that the novelist Somerset Maugham had written the short story and play "Rain." Six U.S. Army parachutists had been dropped by the aircraft and were supposed to land in the main square of the town where thousands had gathered for the festivities. Three of the parachutists were off target and the plane had turned to follow their progress when it hit the cable.

Allen was survived by his wife, Sandy.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/ALLEN_R._GLENNY,_LT,_USN

DOYLE H. BEAM, CAPT, USMC

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

CAPT Doyle Beam '74, USMC was lost when his AH-1T Cobra helicopter crashed near Cherry Point, North Carolina, on September 18, 1981. He was a member of Marine Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMA) 269. 1LT David Trundy '78, USMC was also killed.

His high school principal & teacher said "He liked flying and he liked traveling. He liked the challenge of being a helicopter pilot, and he liked what he was doing — helping his country."

Doyle was survived by his wife and his parents.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/DOYLE_H._BEAM,_CAPT,_USMC

JOHN P. MACSWAIN, LT, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

LT John MacSwain '74, USN died on February 23, 1979 of "injuries received December 26[, 1978] in a shipboard accident" on USS Inchon (LPH 12), in port at Portsmouth, Virginia. He was working with a crew to raise a sunken launch to the deck when a cable snapped, struck him, and knocked him into the water.

From the Lucky Bag:

“Jack the Mac”, an old farmer from way back, came to USNA from Merrill, Wisconsin. During the years here, we were all aware of Mac’s deep interest in studies as we listened to book after book slam against the walls. Following up as a wrestler in high school, Jack kept up with Navy wrestling and found himself as varsity manager during 1/c year. When not with the wrestling team, Jack was wrestling every night with his roommates. … Jack’s dynamic personality and persistence has shown us in 4th that he will make a fine junior officer and be successful in later endeavors.

John was survived by his wife, to whom he was married in 1977; his parents; four brothers; and a sister.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/JOHN_P._MACSWAIN,_LT,_USN

PATRICK E. YOUNG, ENS, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

ENS Patrick Young '75, USN was lost on March 1, 1977 when the F-4 Phantom II he was piloting crashed in North Carolina. He and his radar intercept officer, who was also killed, were members of Fighter Squadron (VF) 101.

From the Lucky Bag:

Pat came to the banks of the Severn having seen the ocean only once as a seven year old. His hometown of Independence, Missouri had little to offer in the way of water sports, but after a knee injury made it impossible to play football and run track, he took to sailing like a fish to water. The afternoons and weekends would nearly always find him racing aboard one of the yawls or Class "A" yachts, and he served as commodore of the Midshipmen Sailing Squadron.

Pat's love for the Navy is only exceeded by his determination to succeed. This is reinforced by his self-description as "an individual of mediocre ability but high motivation". We wish him the best of luck as he wings his way through the skies of Pensacola and into the Fleet.

"Don't complain about how the ball bounces, if you dropped it."

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/PATRICK_E._YOUNG,_ENS,_USN

FRANCIS X. MCKEONE, LTJG, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

LTjg Francis McKeone '75, USN was lost on December 11, 1977 when his P-3 aircraft struck a mountain on Hierro Island, The Canaries.

From the Lucky Bag:

Frank, commonly known to us as Francis or Big Frank, came to our hallowed halls from the large metropolis of Newark, Delaware. A graduate of Salisianum High School, then a graduate of NAPS, Frank is one of the most respected individuals among his peers. He is always seen with a good disposition and a jovial attitude, yet he's not afraid to stand up for what he believes. Though not recruited for the Track team, Frank was State high school champion in the javelin event, only to be plagued with injuries when he came here. Academics not being one of his stronger assets, he still has an uncanny ability to get the gouge and pass it along. Among his ECA's is a certain female whose enthusiasm and encouragement have pulled him through USNA. Not a weekend has gone by since youngster year, that he and Janie have not been together. Looking forward to a future in Navy Air, he will definitely be an asset to the program wherever he goes. Whether Frank is career oriented or not, it will undoubtedly be one filled with success. We all have confidence in him. Good luck Mac!

He was survived by his wife, Jane, and son, Matthew, who was not yet thirteen months old. He wa also survived by his parents and two brothers.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/FRANCIS_X._MCKEONE,_LTJG,_USN

JOHN M. DOWNER, LTJG, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

LTjg John Downer '75, USN was killed when his A-7 Corsair II crashed near Naval Air Station Fallon, NV, on December 18, 1977. He was a member of Attack Squadron (VA) 122, which was stationed at NAS Lemoore, CA and temporarily detached to Fallon Naval Air Station.

From the Lucky Bag:

Lured from the innocence and simple pleasures of Scotland, South Dakota, to the fleshpots of Annapolis, Johnny Downer soon carved his unique niche in the hearts and minds of those with whom he came in contact (or collided). Enjoying the curses and blessing of a temper to match the color of his usually overabundant hair (with a caustic tongue as well), he time after time endeared himself to OOO's company officers, roommates, and Bible-beaters all over Bancroft. Of course life does have its rough spots — but what better to do during June Week than stare at the 8th wing parking lot? Lead driver in the toyota demolition derby, runner extraordinary, and a man who said, "Lips that touch liquor will never mine." Actually, under all that uncombed hair sits a fairly penetrating person, sometimes looking sarcastically at surrounding flora and fauna (especially the two-legged kind), and sometimes showing that humanity he often tries to hide. Navy Air (and maybe civilian line some years hence) will do well to have him.

He was survived by his wife, parents, and brother.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/JOHN_M._DOWNER,_LTJG,_USN

PATRICK J. KILCLINE, LTJG, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

LTjg Patrick Kilcline '75, USN was lost on July 16, 1978 when the F-14 Tomcat he was piloting crashed into the Pacific Ocean south of San Diego. The radar intercept officer, William Matthews '68, was also killed. They were members of Fighter Squadron (VF) 211.

From the Lucky Bag:

Pat came to the Academy from many different hometowns finally settling in McLean, Virginia, long enough to graduate from Langley High. He chose to specialize in political science while avoiding as much as possible the professional type courses. Despite a preponderance of the latter he made a short-lived guest appearance on the sup's list first class year. Spending much of his 4 years on crutches, Pat still managed a few good seasons with the Rugby Club. "Big Loot" plans to keep moving with Navy Air at least until he can find something to make him settle down. There are no regrets only aspirations to continue lasting friendships and a search for perennial happiness in life.

He was survived by his wife of four months, Georgene; parents RADM Thomas and Dornell; brother Thomas '73; and sisters Kathleen & Mary.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/PATRICK_J._KILCLINE,_LTJG,_USN

WILLIAM J. BECKER, LTJG, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

LTjg William Becker '75, USN was lost on February 27, 1979 when the A-7E Corsair II he was piloting crashed in the Mediterranean Sea. He was a member of Attack Squadron (VA) 12, operating from USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69).

Though William was a graduate, and it appears he was a member of 13th Company leadership at the Naval Academy, he is not included in the 1975 Lucky Bag. In high school he was co-captain of the swim team.

He was survived by his mother, two brothers, and two sisters.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/WILLIAM_J._BECKER,_LTJG,_USN

CHARLES J. MORROW, LT, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

LT Charles Morrow '75, USN was lost on January 8, 1980 when the A-6 Intruder he was piloting crashed on the deck of USS Saratoga (CV 60), which was operating off the coast of Florida. The other man aboard, the commanding officer of Saratoga, was also killed.

From the Lucky Bag:

Chuck left Cleveland, a pretty girl, and an impressive grappling record to offer his mind, body, and soul to Navy. Collegiate wrestling proved too time consuming and interfered with the social life he has become known for. Being one of the three black sheep of the Systems Engineering Department, he never let academics cramp his style. Chuck's interpretation of the Reg Book made him the most popular Co. Sub-CDR in Naval Academy History. Chuck's over the-wall adventures compare to Houdini, Papillion, and Evel Knievel at their best. With an eye for women, a nose for a party, and more luck than an Irish Leprechaun, Chuck will be a valuable asset to the Naval Aviation Community.

Charles was survived by his father, brother, and four sisters.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/CHARLES_J._MORROW,_LT,_USN

CHRISTOPHER D. ALLEMAND, CAPT, USMC

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

CAPT Christopher Allemand '75, USMC was lost on November 3, 1980 when his F-4S Phantom II crashed in the Atlantic off the coast of South Carolina. He was the plane's radar intercept officer; the pilot was also killed. They were members of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 312.

Christopher was a native of San Mateo, California. He played football in high school and at the Naval Academy. He survived by his wife and parents.

(Note: he was not pictured in the 1975 Lucky Bag, though he was a graduate.)

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/CHRISTOPHER_D._ALLEMAND,_CAPT,_USMC

MARCUS C. LINN, ENS, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

ENS Marcus Linn '76, USN was lost on September 17, 1976 when the A-6 Intruder he was aboard crashed near Whidbey Island, Washington. He was awaiting his flight training start date. LTjg Charles R. Tutt, the pilot, was also killed in the crash.

Mark was a native of Lacey, Washington, and was a member of the swimming and water polo teams in high school and at the Naval Academy. He was survived by his father.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/MARCUS_C._LINN,_ENS,_USN

STEPHEN C. HASTINGS, 1LT, USMC

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

1LT Stephen Hastings '76, USMC was lost on November 23, 1979, when the F-4S he was aboard "crashed into the sea off San Clemente island." He was a member of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 232. His radar intercept officer, Captain Steven R. Sammet, also died in the crash.

A native of Reno, Nevada, the Lucky Bag said "…his loyalty to country and fundamental sense of duty and professionalism will undoubtedly lead to ultimate success and happiness."

He was survived by his wife, daughter, parents, and sister.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/STEPHEN_C._HASTINGS,_1LT,_USMC

MARK S. GONTKOVIC, LTJG, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

LTjg Mark Gontkovic '76, USN was lost on December 6, 1979 when the A-6E Intruder he was piloting crashed in the Mediterranean during practice bombing run at the Avgo Ni Si training range in Crete. He was a member of Attack Squadron (VA) 35, operating from USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Lt.(jg) Anthony J. Bilotti USN '77, the naval fight officer, was also lost in the crash.

From the Lucky Bag:

Whether falling out of the 'vator after a good Friday night or unleashing shaving cream bomb and peanut butter destruction on deserving members of "Skate 28" Mark always kept things lively up on 6-4. A physical education major with a party minor, and several study halls in Oceanography, Gonk always made sure that his "spirit" activities didn't interfere with his two most successful and favorite pastimes — playing baseball and marching E.D. Besides MacDonalds and the Anthony House his favorite place is his hometown, Johnstown, Pennsylvania, the All-American city. There he developed Steeler-mania, a taste for Iron City Beer, and a tapered cranium. Canoe U. is certain to lose with Gonk's departure, but his arrival in Pensacola will assure that Naval Aviation will never be quite the same. AER-Aer, FLY NAVY!

Mark was survived by his wife, Nancy, and his parents.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/MARK_S._GONTKOVIC,_LTJG,_USN