GEORGE M. DENT, JR., LCDR, USN

From USNA Virtual Memorial Hall
George Dent, Jr. '47

Date of birth: September 11, 1925

Date of death: April 24, 1959

Age: 33

Lucky Bag

From the 1947 Lucky Bag:

1947 Dent LB.jpg

George McCormick Dent

Eufaula, Alabama

Upon his arrival at the Academy, Bubber, one hundred and twenty pounds of Rebel, found himself surrounded by Yankees. When his cries of "Get yo' cotton pickin' hands off me!" failed to achieve the desired results, he took up boxing and, during youngster year, proved himself the biggest little man in the Academy by walking off with the regimental boxing championship. A recognized authority on dragging, an ardent sailing enthusiast, and somewhat of a genius with a slipstick, Bubber was never serious about anything very long. His contagious smile, ready wit, and happy-go-lucky attitude were an inspiration to us all.


The Class of 1947 was graduated in June 1946 due to World War II. The entirety of 2nd class (junior) year was removed from the curriculum.

1947 Dent LB.jpg

George McCormick Dent

Eufaula, Alabama

Upon his arrival at the Academy, Bubber, one hundred and twenty pounds of Rebel, found himself surrounded by Yankees. When his cries of "Get yo' cotton pickin' hands off me!" failed to achieve the desired results, he took up boxing and, during youngster year, proved himself the biggest little man in the Academy by walking off with the regimental boxing championship. A recognized authority on dragging, an ardent sailing enthusiast, and somewhat of a genius with a slipstick, Bubber was never serious about anything very long. His contagious smile, ready wit, and happy-go-lucky attitude were an inspiration to us all.


The Class of 1947 was graduated in June 1946 due to World War II. The entirety of 2nd class (junior) year was removed from the curriculum.

Loss

George was lost when his T2V Seastar jet trainer crashed near Townsville, N.C. on April 24, 1959.

Other Information

From researcher Kathy Franz:

George married Hilda Howard on July 8, 1950, when he was stationed in Jacksonville. Their wedded life was cut short when he sailed to the Mediterranean; so in November, she left for Paris and Leghorn, Italy, to visit him. They hoped to visit not only Italy, but France and Switzerland, too.

George was survived by his wife, their children Hilda (5), Laura (11 months) and George, III (4.) He was also survived by his mother Helen and three sisters, Sara, Margaret and Annie. His father, once president of a wholesale grocery company, had died on November 30, 1940.

He is buried in Alabama.

Memorials

Dent Road, onboard NAS Patuxent River, Maryland, is named for George.

Related Articles

Kenneth Brown '47, John Pownall '47, Joseph Melesky '47, and William Grimes '47 were also in 10th Company.

Memorial Hall Error

George's name in Memorial Hall does not contain "Jr.;" however, his tombstone does.


Class of 1947

George is one of 29 members of the Class of 1947 on Virtual Memorial Hall.

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