CHARLES W. FRYER, LT, USN

From USNA Virtual Memorial Hall
Charles Fryer '62

Date of birth: September 1, 1939

Date of death: August 7, 1966

Age: 26

Lucky Bag

From the 1962 Lucky Bag:

1962 Fryer LB.jpg

Charles Wigger Fryer

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

A lad from a windy state, Oklahoma, "The Chucker" was known for his way with words, which he put to use for Navy in his many activities, including the Log and Splinter staff, Political Economy Club, Foreign Relations Club, and the debate team. Before settling down to military life at USNA, Chuck spent one partly-filled year at Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri, where he was a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity. Being a shutterbug, he shot a good many pictures for the Log and Splinter and the Lucky Bag. Not all of his time was spent in the darkroom, for being a typical Midshipman, "with a girl in every port," Chuck played the field very successfully. Chuck thinks "Navy Line is mighty fine" and will be going into the Fleet.

1962 Fryer LB.jpg

Charles Wigger Fryer

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

A lad from a windy state, Oklahoma, "The Chucker" was known for his way with words, which he put to use for Navy in his many activities, including the Log and Splinter staff, Political Economy Club, Foreign Relations Club, and the debate team. Before settling down to military life at USNA, Chuck spent one partly-filled year at Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri, where he was a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity. Being a shutterbug, he shot a good many pictures for the Log and Splinter and the Lucky Bag. Not all of his time was spent in the darkroom, for being a typical Midshipman, "with a girl in every port," Chuck played the field very successfully. Chuck thinks "Navy Line is mighty fine" and will be going into the Fleet.

Loss

Charles was killed in action off the coast of Vietnam on August 7, 1966 when his A-1H Skyraider was struck by enemy ground fire while attacking a train near Qui Vinh. He was a member of Attack Squadron (VA) 152, flying from USS Oriskany (CV 34).

Other Information

From the October 1966 issue of Shipmate:

Lt Fryer, who was born in Oklahoma City, Okla., attended Westminster College at Fulton, Mo., before entering the Naval Academy, from where he was graduated in 1962. He served as electronics material officer and anti-submarine warfare officer in USS SOLEY in the Mediterranean, then entered flight training at Pensacola. He received his wings in May 1965 and was assigned to Attack Squadron 122 at the Naval Air Station, Lemoore, then to Attack Squadron 152 in September 1965.

He is survived by his parents, Dr. and Mrs. Samuel R. Fryer of 1912 North West 18th St., Oklahoma City; a brother, Samuel R., Jr., and a sister, Susan Lee Fryer.

From the same issue's Class of 1962 column:

He was a great classmate and a fine officer. He will be remembered and missed by all who knew him.

From Wall of Faces:

Dearest Charlie, Thank you for caring about us. We will never forget you and you will be forever in our hearts. Until we meet again..We appreciate and love you. Diane & Terri DIANE MURPHY FARLEY & TERRI FARLEY KUMP, TERRI-KUMP@CHARTER.NET, 5/17/13

He is listed at the Courts of the Missing in Hawaii and has a memory marker in Oklahoma.

Photographs

Related Articles

Lucius Heiskell '62 was also in 5th Company.

Richard Whitney '62 and Cyrus Roberts, IV '62 were also members of the Lucky Bag staff.


Class of 1962

Charles is one of 30 members of the Class of 1962 on Virtual Memorial Hall.

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