JAMES T. BALDWIN, LT, USN

James Baldwin '55

Date of birth: July 10, 1931

Date of death: February 3, 1960

Age: 28

Lucky Bag

From the 1955 Lucky Bag:

JAMES THOMAS BALDWIN

Hot Springs, Arkansas

Tommy arrived at Navy with a touch of college life at Southeastern State College under his belt. He was an all-round athlete and excelled in many sports during his pre-Navy days; so PT was always fruit for him. Something more than his last name acquired for him the nickname of Baldy. An ill-fated bricking party, caused by a Yankee blind date Youngster year, sold him on Southern girls, bringing him back from Second Class summer leave with stars in his eyes and miniatures on his mind. Tommy took his studies seriously but was always ready for a little fun and horseplay.

He was also a member of the 3rd Battalion Fall/Spring Leadership.

JAMES THOMAS BALDWIN

Hot Springs, Arkansas

Tommy arrived at Navy with a touch of college life at Southeastern State College under his belt. He was an all-round athlete and excelled in many sports during his pre-Navy days; so PT was always fruit for him. Something more than his last name acquired for him the nickname of Baldy. An ill-fated bricking party, caused by a Yankee blind date Youngster year, sold him on Southern girls, bringing him back from Second Class summer leave with stars in his eyes and miniatures on his mind. Tommy took his studies seriously but was always ready for a little fun and horseplay.

He was also a member of the 3rd Battalion Fall/Spring Leadership.

Loss

From James' high school yearbook

James was lost on February 3, 1960 when the S2F plane he was aboard "crashed into the sea after take-off from the carrier USS Yorktown near Hawaii…. Baldwin was commander of the aircraft. Also missing are two crew members. One survivor was picked up shortly after the mishap."

Unable to find a burial or memory marker.

He was a member of Air Anti-Submarine Squadron (VS) 23.

From researcher Kathy Franz:

James graduated in 1949 from Hot Springs High School. Activities: Football 1, 2, 3; Outstanding Player 3; Co-Captain 3; Secretary-Treasurer, Lettermen’s Club 3; Basketball 1, 2; Track 1, 2, 3; Student Council 2; Junior Rotarian 3; Finance Committee 2, 3.
Survived by his mother Mrs. Ollie McKnight, wife Katherine, and daughter Lisa Anne.

Class of 1955

James is one of 34 members of the Class of 1955 on Virtual Memorial Hall.

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