JOHN W. MAGEE, LCDR, USN

John Magee '39

Date of birth: March 17, 1917

Date of death: July 17, 1945

Age: 28

Lucky Bag

From the 1939 Lucky Bag:

JOHN WILLIAM MAGEE

Harrisville, Pennsylvania

Maggie, Jo

The name "Maggie" will always be associated with most pleasant memories of the Naval Academy. John got his start that way in Harrisville, Pennsylvania, where his popularity extended to all the maidens from both sides of the road. Having a clear conscience, however, his slumbers are not disturbed (either day or night). A contagious smile and a mischievous nature make him a genial associate and bespeak for him happy sailing whether he stays with the Fleet or sails on the "great outside." His agreeable manner has won for him a host of friends, not only in his own class, but each year, in the other three classes as well. Bon Voyage, John, on whichever of the "eight" seas you may choose to sail.

Battalion Football 3, 2, 1; Plebe Track, 4; Log Staff 3; Expert Pistol; 1 P.O.

Obituary

From Find A Grave:

Lt. Cmdr. John W. Magee, son of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel A. Magee of Harrisville, was killed in an air crash at Panama City, Fla., July 17.
He was flying a jet plane when it collided with another. His parachute failed to open in time.
Commander of the Destroyer Shaw [note: this is not correct; he was stationed aboard but an Ensign] when its bow was blown off at Pearl Harbor, Cmdr. Magee transferred to the Naval Air Force after getting out of the hospital. He escaped again when the Block Island, a small carrier, was sunk in mid-Atlantic a year ago. He then served on another carrier until the war with Germany ended.
His body will be returned to Harrisville for burial. The Pittsburgh Press, July 21, 1945

Class of 1939

John is one of 75 members of the Class of 1939 in Memorial Hall.