MICHAEL P. THOMPSON, LT, USN
Michael Thompson '83
Lucky Bag
From the 1983 Lucky Bag:
Michael P. Thompson
Quincy, Illinois
Deehead
Thomps started academy life on day one finding people out east just aren't the same as in Quincy Ill. J.D. was something Mike couldn't cope with. But Mike soon found his place. Usually at Schiek’s on a Saturday night. Thomps could even be talked into doing chores there, like vacuuming the floor with his face. Anything for a little extra cash, because Mike's paycheck could not keep up with his style. Just ask the girls at Beefsteak Charlies. But at least he has a few albums to show for it. Maybe Rooster was wrong about the thieves in NYC, but hey the camera was covered.
Hey now better watch out for those low flying airplanes. Next thing you know we'll be in Timbucktoo or Wilmington at 4:30 am. OOGEDEE-BOOGEDEEBOO. The quest, yes its turnpike north straight to the last stop or a temporary stay (15 days) in the hall during the summer, better head south to Florida for "weak week" to get his back scratched. Yep, Mike was never one to turn down a party, play poker, or fall in love. Fights were another story except when Thomps rescued Scotty at Maryland.
Senior year brought the world series and another girl. By now Thomps was neither on the bus or completely off it but instead in his corolla off to Baltimore, maybe eleven is Mike's lucky number.
The sky's the limit for Mike though and that's where he hopes to be in a few short months. In his own mellow way riding 'em high and givin' 'em hell. —C.N.R.
Michael P. Thompson
Quincy, Illinois
Deehead
Thomps started academy life on day one finding people out east just aren't the same as in Quincy Ill. J.D. was something Mike couldn't cope with. But Mike soon found his place. Usually at Schiek’s on a Saturday night. Thomps could even be talked into doing chores there, like vacuuming the floor with his face. Anything for a little extra cash, because Mike's paycheck could not keep up with his style. Just ask the girls at Beefsteak Charlies. But at least he has a few albums to show for it. Maybe Rooster was wrong about the thieves in NYC, but hey the camera was covered.
Hey now better watch out for those low flying airplanes. Next thing you know we'll be in Timbucktoo or Wilmington at 4:30 am. OOGEDEE-BOOGEDEEBOO. The quest, yes its turnpike north straight to the last stop or a temporary stay (15 days) in the hall during the summer, better head south to Florida for "weak week" to get his back scratched. Yep, Mike was never one to turn down a party, play poker, or fall in love. Fights were another story except when Thomps rescued Scotty at Maryland.
Senior year brought the world series and another girl. By now Thomps was neither on the bus or completely off it but instead in his corolla off to Baltimore, maybe eleven is Mike's lucky number.
The sky's the limit for Mike though and that's where he hopes to be in a few short months. In his own mellow way riding 'em high and givin' 'em hell. —C.N.R.
Loss
From Find A Grave:
LTjg Michael P. Thompson, USN graduated from the US Naval Academy Class of 1983. Mike was killed in a mid-air collision between two T-2B aircraft over Florida during a training mission. The other pilot and the two students survived without injury. He was an instructor pilot assigned to the VT-10 Cosmic Cats.
From the June 1987 issue of Shipmate:
Lt. Michael P . Thompson USN died 22 October 1986 near Pensacola, Florida, as result of an aircraft accident that occurred during normal operations. Services took place at St. Peter's Catholic Church, Quincy, Illinois, and burial was in Calvary Cemetery.
Born in Quincy, a son of J. Timothy and Mary Alice Cribb Thompson, he attended St. Peter's Grade School and Monroe School. A 1979 graduate of Quincy High School, he was appointed to the Naval Academy from the State of Illinois and was graduated with the Class of 1983.
Survivors include his parents; two brothers, Thomas Wayne of St. Louis, Mo. and Timothy Christopher of Quincy; two sisters, Mrs. Richard (Theresa Kathleen) Freihofer of Dallas, Texas, and Mrs. David (Michele Marie) Panicucci of Cedar Falls, Iowa; a grandmother, Mrs. Ruby Thompson of Yucaipa, Calif., and nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be given to Blessing Foundation, Blessing Hospital, Quincy, Illinois.
Remembrances
From Find A Grave:
TBird & I were instructors together in VT-10. He was kind, and a great instructor. He really enjoyed flying & was looking forward to his orders to the fleet. The sky was colder & grayer after he was gone. Bob, July 27, 2015
Other Information
From the Quincy High School yearbook:
Boy’s Swimming 1, 2, 3; Intramurals 1, 2, 3, 4; Water Polo 3; German Club 1, 2, 3, president 2, 3; Exchange Student 4; Student Council 1, 2; Junior Class Council 3; Senior Class Council 4; Beauty and Beast Committee 2, president 2; National Honor Society 3, 4, president 4; Sophomore Scholarship 2.
Photographs
From the 1983 Lucky Bag
From his high school yearbook
From his high school yearbook
Memorial Hall Error
His gravestone has his rank as LT -- twice, on the front and back. Memorial Hall has LTJG. Posthumous promotion?
The "category" links below lead to lists of related Honorees; use them to explore further the service and sacrifice of alumni in Memorial Hall.
