JOHN C. LINDAHL, LT, USN
John Lindahl '65
Lucky Bag
From the 1965 Lucky Bag:
JOHN CARL LINDAHL
Lindsborg, Kansas
Having been born and raised in the Midwest, it was only after two years of work at Bethany College of Lindsborg that John could tear himself away and come East to receive his copy of Soldiers of the Sea. The combination of this firm educational background and his attributes of quiet determination and hard work enabled him to stand high in his class throughout his years at the Academy. His nickname "Poco" must be regarded as a misnomer, for it could not have referred to either his capabilities as a Midshipman or to his athletic prowess. He asserted himself both on the varsity tennis courts as an outstanding doubles man and as a member of the Portuguese Club. Despite his activities, he was never reluctant to devote a small portion of his time to dragging some femme fatale. Coupling his intelligent mature outlook with his subtle sense of humor, it is easy to see that John will be a valuable asset to the Naval Service.
JOHN CARL LINDAHL
Lindsborg, Kansas
Having been born and raised in the Midwest, it was only after two years of work at Bethany College of Lindsborg that John could tear himself away and come East to receive his copy of Soldiers of the Sea. The combination of this firm educational background and his attributes of quiet determination and hard work enabled him to stand high in his class throughout his years at the Academy. His nickname "Poco" must be regarded as a misnomer, for it could not have referred to either his capabilities as a Midshipman or to his athletic prowess. He asserted himself both on the varsity tennis courts as an outstanding doubles man and as a member of the Portuguese Club. Despite his activities, he was never reluctant to devote a small portion of his time to dragging some femme fatale. Coupling his intelligent mature outlook with his subtle sense of humor, it is easy to see that John will be a valuable asset to the Naval Service.
Loss
From Wall of Faces:
LT John C. Lindahl was a Navy pilot assigned to Attack Squadron 56 (VA-56) aboard the USS Midway. On January 6, 1973, LT Lindahl launched from the USS Midway in an A-7B Corsair II (#154543). The launch seemed normal, yet the plane veered and dove into the ocean shortly after takeoff. The crash was observed from the ship, and within 45 seconds, helicopters and divers were on the scene, but it was too late. Lindahl had gone down with his aircraft. His body was not recovered.
Other Information
From the The Merced Sun-Star on January 10, 1973:
Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday in the Naval Air Station Lemoore Chapel for Lt. John Carl Lindahl who was lost at sea Friday when his aircraft crashed after launching from the Aircraft Carrier USS Midway in the Gulf of Tonkin. His wife is the former Virginia Wright of Merced. Lt. Lindahl, 31, was a member of the Lemoore-based Attack Squadron 56 at the time of the accident. He had previously served with Lemoore-based Attack Squadron 144 and 125. He was a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy with the Class of 1965. In addition to his wife, Lt. Lindahl is survived by a daughter, Christine; and his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Hugo E. Lindahl of Lindsborg, Kan. The Lindahls made their home in Hanford.
Photographs
Remembrances
From Wall of Faces:
It has been many years yet it seems like yesterday you were sleeping in the electrician shop on board ship. you just wanted to hang out with us enlisted guys. I have never forgot you. I was only 19 and you always made me feel good around you. Thank you for making me a better person today. AE3 FRED R. REINA, FRREINA@COMCAST.NET, 8/14/11
John was one of a few Administrative officers I lost as a Yeoman Third Class on a cruise that proved to be the longest 11 months of our lives. He proved to be a counselor as well as a friend. I shall never forget the day he caught the "cold cat". It was one of the saddest days of my life. LEO CARPENTER YN3, 2/28/02
John was a class act. He was a professional Officer as well as pilot. I was in his fleet transition class to the A7. John, myself and the other three members of our class along with our wives became very close friends.
John was lost late in our combat cruise, at a time when most of us thought we were about to go home safely. I remember at John's memorable service on the ship, his CO calling him a Gentleman's Gentleman. I could think of no better expression of John and his character. He is missed. MIKE COBB, 12/23/98
Other Information
John is buried in Kansas; he is also listed at the Courts of the Missing in Hawaii.
Missing Status
The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency lists John as "unaccounted for."
Memorial Hall Error?
John is not listed on the killed in action panel in the front of Memorial Hall. While not an obvious error, inclusion on the panel for crashes like this (incidental to combat flights) has been inconsistent across WWII, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.
The "category" links below lead to lists of related Honorees; use them to explore further the service and sacrifice of alumni in Memorial Hall.
