ORLAND J. PENDER, JR., LCDR, USN
Orland Pender, Jr. '66
Lucky Bag
From the 1966 Lucky Bag:
ORLAND JAMES PENDER, JR.
Atlanta, Georgia
Coming directly to the Academy from Briarcliff High School in Atlanta, Jim found little trouble with academics. Since youngster year, he has regularly participated in the overload program, choosing courses that would help him toward a major in Naval Management. On the athletic field, he is usually found in the midst of a rough and tumble game. Since a knee injury forced him out of football plebe year, Jim has been a leader in bringing rugby to the Academy's sports program. A rugged competitor, whether on an athletic field or in his everyday life, Jim will be a welcome addition to the Navy as a future Naval aviator.
He was also a member of the 23rd Company staff (fall and spring).
ORLAND JAMES PENDER, JR.
Atlanta, Georgia
Coming directly to the Academy from Briarcliff High School in Atlanta, Jim found little trouble with academics. Since youngster year, he has regularly participated in the overload program, choosing courses that would help him toward a major in Naval Management. On the athletic field, he is usually found in the midst of a rough and tumble game. Since a knee injury forced him out of football plebe year, Jim has been a leader in bringing rugby to the Academy's sports program. A rugged competitor, whether on an athletic field or in his everyday life, Jim will be a welcome addition to the Navy as a future Naval aviator.
He was also a member of the 23rd Company staff (fall and spring).
Loss
Orland was killed in action on August 17, 1972 when his aircraft was shot down while on a mission over North Vietnam.
Other Information
From the April 1978 issue of Shipmate:
A native of Georgia, he was appointed to the Naval Academy from the State of Georgia. After flight training he served with several squadrons and was attached to VF-114 on board Kitty Hawk at the time of loss. He had been awarded two Distinguished Flying Crosses, two Air Medals and the Purple Heart during his career.
He is survived by his widow, Ellen, and two daughters of San Diego; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Orland Pender of East Greenwich, Rhode Island; a sister and a brother.
From Find A Grave:
His remains were recovered on November 29, 1994 and identified on February 20, 1996. His name is inscribed on the Courts of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial.
Photographs
Remembrances
From Wall of Faces:
O.J. we were roommates 1st class year at USNA and went thru P-cola together. You were a true officer & gentleman and I was humbled and honored to call you my class mate & friend. I remember the summer I visited you in Atlanta and your folks had a big party. Your great aunt heard my "Yankee" accent and went off on me about Sherman's march thru Georgia. You rescued me from her but I learned something about the after-effects of war. You were a great hooker on the rugby field and talked me into joining you for some serious head banging. We had some good times. I wound up in SEAL Team and did 3 tours and was so saddened to learn you were shot down. You are forever in my thoughts and memories as a class mate, friend and the example of the ideal officer. Rest in peace brother - at the 50th reunion 23rd Company will hoist a glass in your memory! TOM BOYHAN, TJB20@FRONTIER.COM, 7/25/16
I was checking my logbook. We flew together at least 140 times. And we shared the same room on the Coral Sea. You were always the better man, Jim. I admired your interpersonal skills and they certainly made you the better naval officer. Remember the day Mustang called to advise you had a new baby girl? You were useless the rest of that flight! You survived flying with me and that should have been enough. I was shocked when a couple of years ago I googled your name and found you were lost. JOHN HOLLAND, HOLLANDJE@VERIZON.NET, 12/26/09
I still think of you often, Jim, and remember our days together at USNA. Thanks for your sacrifice and heroism so that I and others might live as we do. My prayers are with you, my friend. TOM PORTER '66, 11/13/04
Distinguished Flying Cross
Unable to locate the citation for either Distinguished Flying Cross cited above in Shipmate.
Related Articles
Thomas Brunk '66 was also in 23rd Company.
The "category" links below lead to lists of related Honorees; use them to explore further the service and sacrifice of alumni in Memorial Hall.
