DONALD J. MEYER, LT, USN

From USNA Virtual Memorial Hall
Donald Meyer '58

Date of birth: April 4, 1934

Date of death: June 14, 1963

Age: 29

Lucky Bag

From the 1958 Lucky Bag:

1958 Meyer LB.jpg

DONALD JOHN MEYER

Annapolis, Maryland

Don was one of the few in the Brigade who could really call Annapolis home, joining us after high school here and a year at Severn Prep. Although he never had to sweat transportation home on leave, one of his favorite pastimes was seeing how far he could travel for free. He was always one of the fellows, a man who had many friends and was forever making new ones. Most of his time here was spent as production chairman of our Class Crest and Ring Committee or over at Hubbard Hall bending an oar. A man who loves speed in all its forms, Don wants someday to become a jet test pilot for the Navy, and we'll bet that he makes it with no trouble at all.


He was also a member of the 4th Company staff (winter).

1958 Meyer LB.jpg

DONALD JOHN MEYER

Annapolis, Maryland

Don was one of the few in the Brigade who could really call Annapolis home, joining us after high school here and a year at Severn Prep. Although he never had to sweat transportation home on leave, one of his favorite pastimes was seeing how far he could travel for free. He was always one of the fellows, a man who had many friends and was forever making new ones. Most of his time here was spent as production chairman of our Class Crest and Ring Committee or over at Hubbard Hall bending an oar. A man who loves speed in all its forms, Don wants someday to become a jet test pilot for the Navy, and we'll bet that he makes it with no trouble at all.


He was also a member of the 4th Company staff (winter).

Loss

Don was lost when his F8U Crusader crashed on June 14, 1963 while operating from USS Hancock (CV 19) near Hawaii.

Other Information

From the September-October issue of Shipmate:

It is my sad duty to announce that DON MEYER was killed in June when his F8U photo Crusader crashed near Hawaii. As one who knew Don at the Academy and came to know him and his wife, Carol, even better during flight training, I think I can speak for the class when I say that we have lost a fine officer and classmate who will be missed by us all.

Other Information

From researcher Kathy Franz:

In the Annapolis High School yearbook for 1953 … Smartly dressed, sports-minded “Don” plans to put on the Middie blues after graduation . . . Varsity track 2,3,4; Varsity Football 3,4; Homeroom Alternate 1,2; Homeroom Rep. 3,4; Stunt Nite 4; Varsity “A” Club Treasurer; Hi-Y officer 4; Civitan Club 4. Donald was the first place winner in the local Civitan Club essay contest in December 1953.

His engagement to Caroline C. Thomson was announced in November 1958 with their wedding performed on December 27 at the Naval Academy Chapel. His parents were Mr. and Mrs. Adolph Meyer. His best man was Ensign Peter Ericksen (‘58.) Ushers were: Lts. John Dobson, David Mitchell, and Thomas Pratt, USMC; Ensigns Marty McCullough (‘58,) Charles Larsen, Walter Mitchell (‘58,) Robert Holroyd (‘58,) Paul Hoyt, Theodore White (‘58,) John Nulty (‘58,) Curt Sword (‘58,) John Dittrich (‘58,) and Dan Mayers (‘58;) and Mr. Hilary Rowe.

He has a memory marker in Arlington National Cemetery.

Photographs

Related Articles

John Mason '58 was also in 4th Company.


Class of 1958

Donald is one of 28 members of the Class of 1958 on Virtual Memorial Hall.

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