STEPHEN J. ERICKSON, CAPT, USMC
Stephen Erickson '65
Lucky Bag
From the 1965 Lucky Bag:
STEPHEN JOHN ERICKSON
Longview, Washington
Hailing from the state of Washington, Steve comes here after graduation from R. A. Long High School in Longview. With a fine record in both academics and athletics in high school, he had little trouble adapting himself to the rigors of life at the Academy. Steve's athletic talent was varied as he was always looking for a new sport to master. He has been a member of the plebe squash team and various intramural teams ranging from gymnastics to Brigade Boxing. Other interests which captured his interest at the Academy were the Antiphonal Choir and NAFAC. Not having had much trouble with academics, Steve has enjoyed a good class standing, and has taken advantage of the overload program in the field of computers. Steve's amiable personality and his enthusiasm for life are valuable assets which promise him an interesting and successful career in the armed forces.
He was also a member of the 21st Company staff (fall).
STEPHEN JOHN ERICKSON
Longview, Washington
Hailing from the state of Washington, Steve comes here after graduation from R. A. Long High School in Longview. With a fine record in both academics and athletics in high school, he had little trouble adapting himself to the rigors of life at the Academy. Steve's athletic talent was varied as he was always looking for a new sport to master. He has been a member of the plebe squash team and various intramural teams ranging from gymnastics to Brigade Boxing. Other interests which captured his interest at the Academy were the Antiphonal Choir and NAFAC. Not having had much trouble with academics, Steve has enjoyed a good class standing, and has taken advantage of the overload program in the field of computers. Steve's amiable personality and his enthusiasm for life are valuable assets which promise him an interesting and successful career in the armed forces.
He was also a member of the 21st Company staff (fall).
Loss
Steve was lost when his F-8K crashed at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland on June 22, 1971. (Some information from class of 1965 president's email on November 4, 2017.) He was at the Naval Test Pilot School.
Other Information
From researcher Kathy Franz:
Known as “Steve” at R. A. Long High School, he graduated in 1961. Activities: All-School Play 2; Boys’ Club Cabinet 1, 2, 3; Children’s Theater Play 2; Honor Society (top 10% of class) 1, 2, 3; Latin Club 2, 3; Masque and Dagger 2; Rifle Club 1, 2; Science Club 1, 2; Vice-President 3; Swimming 1, 3; Tennis 1, 2, 3; Thespians Vice-President 3.
After the Naval Academy, he entered the Marine Corps on June 9, 1965, and did pilot training at Pensacola. Subsequently, he spent 13 months in Vietnam where he was awarded the Bronze Star, Air Medal and the Combat Action Ribbon. He was authorized to wear the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with four stars, the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.
Stephen was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. His memorial services were held there on June 30. A Marine Corps detachment served as color bearers and ushers for the service. Another service was held earlier at the Naval Air Station Chapel at Patuxent River, Maryland.
Survivors were his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John E. Erickson, brother Dr. Tom Erickson, two sisters, Linda and Eileen (Mrs. Swanson.)
Steve has a memory marker at Arlington National Cemetery.
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