ARCHIBALD W. GREENLEE, LCDR, USN

Archibald Greenlee '32

Date of birth: February 20, 1911

Date of death: April 16, 1943

Age: 32

Lucky Bag

From the 1932 Lucky Bag:

ARCHIBALD WILSON GREENLEE

Coronado, California

"Bill" "Archie"

Being a navy junior by birth, and a candidate from Severn by luck (?), this youth entered our school for pampered pets a little wiser in the ways of the navy than most of us. Maybe that is the reason that his name burst into print so promptly, and so it has been doing more or less ever since, he and the Executive Department playing tag each year, sometimes he being "it" and sometimes not.

No one could even call him a snake and get by with it. True, there was a memorable ride along the Strand at moonlight and that will help out in an emergency; but that's all the records show.

As for activities, he is very fond of the security of the Radiator Club, with a little radio work on the side. At letter writing he excels, and rare indeed is the day when he fails to write at least one. In spite of these activities he has, however, taken an active interest in class bowling and baseball.

Bill is headed for aviation. He has the conviction, and the determination—and his feet aren't flat. He'll wear wings yet. Luck to you, Bill!!!

Baseball; Bowling; Radio Club; 2 P.O.

ARCHIBALD WILSON GREENLEE

Coronado, California

"Bill" "Archie"

Being a navy junior by birth, and a candidate from Severn by luck (?), this youth entered our school for pampered pets a little wiser in the ways of the navy than most of us. Maybe that is the reason that his name burst into print so promptly, and so it has been doing more or less ever since, he and the Executive Department playing tag each year, sometimes he being "it" and sometimes not.

No one could even call him a snake and get by with it. True, there was a memorable ride along the Strand at moonlight and that will help out in an emergency; but that's all the records show.

As for activities, he is very fond of the security of the Radiator Club, with a little radio work on the side. At letter writing he excels, and rare indeed is the day when he fails to write at least one. In spite of these activities he has, however, taken an active interest in class bowling and baseball.

Bill is headed for aviation. He has the conviction, and the determination—and his feet aren't flat. He'll wear wings yet. Luck to you, Bill!!!

Baseball; Bowling; Radio Club; 2 P.O.

Loss

Archibald was lost on April 16, 1943 when the airplane he was flying went missing during a training flight from Florida. It seems likely he was an instructor pilot based at either Pensacola or Jacksonville.

Other Information

From researcher Kathy Franz:

Archibald was born in Pennsylvania. On June 13, 1927, Archibald arrived at the Naval Academy for the plebe class of 1931.
He was promoted to lieutenant in March 18, 1939.
On October 3, 1940, Archibald, his wife Dorothy, son Archibald and daughter Dorothy Jean sailed from Honolulu to Pensacola.
On December 14, Archibald and his wife attended a party by Lieutenant Commander Day and his wife for all officers and their wives of Squadron Three.
Archibald’s mother was Edith; brothers Halford, Jr., Edward and David; and sisters Elizabeth “Betty,” Edith and Ruth. Archibald’s son graduated from Coronado High School in 1953.

From Find A Grave:

The article about Archibald's death was picked up through the AP and originated out of Jacksonville, Florida.
Lt. Comdr Archibald Greenlee and Pfc Douglas N. Blodgett were lost at sea during a training flight. The accident was reported by officials at the Jacksonville, Florida naval air station. Four days after the tragedy no trace of the men or their plane had been found.
Greenlee was the son of Captain Halford R. Greenlee, retired U.S. Navy, and his wife. The couple resided in New Orleans. Greenlee was married and left his wife Dorothy and the couple's two children: Dorothy Jean and Archibald, Jr.
Blodgett was the son of Mrs. Estelle E. Blodgett of Sunapee, New Hampshire. Douglas enlisted in the Marine Corps on July 16, 1942.
Adapted from census records and the "Pittsfield Berkshire Evening Eagle," Pittsfield, Massachusetts, Monday, April 19, 1943, p. 2 and the "Annapolis Capital," Annapolis, Maryland, Wednesday, April 24, 1957, p. 3.

He earned his wings as naval aviator #4130 on July 31, 1935.