WENDELL G. SWITZER, JR., LTJG, USN
Wendell Switzer, Jr. '53
Lucky Bag
From the 1953 Lucky Bag:
Loss
From Find A Grave:
Ensign W. G, Switzer, USN, a designated Naval Aviator, graduated U.S. Naval Academy, Class of 1953. Died in the crash of his AD Skyraider aircraft near Norfolk, VA. Was a member of Attack Squadron (VA) Forty-Two and was unmarried.
Other Information
From researcher Kathy Franz:
He graduated from Woodberry Forest School in Virginia in 1948. Fir Tree Board yearbook; Managing Editor, Oracle Board; German Club; Dramatic Club; Book Club; W. Club; Choir; Sub Precentor; Monitor Board; Varsity Football; J-V Basketball; Letterman, Football. Gifted with an aggressive yet taciturn will to get things done, Wendell has shown in three years at Woodberry Forest the attributes of a well-rounded student. After two seasons on the Blackshirts, Switz earned his letter at end this year, but he was not confined in his activities to athletics, for he held high positions on the Oracle Board and in the Choir. Wendell plans to don the Navy Gold and Blue in completing his scholastic career.
He was survived by his parents, his sister, and an older brother. The older brother, John Switzer '47, was later killed in a A4D accident at NAS Patuxent River in 1959. His father was a 1921 graduate who commanded two aircraft carriers in World War II and retired a Vice Admiral. His mother was the first woman named to the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation Board, in 1992.
Wendell is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
Photographs
From his high school yearbook
From his high school yearbook
From his high school yearbook: "Wendell’s defensive work on end was a decided strong point of the Tiger forward wall, and never was he to be out-fought regardless of the odds."
From his high school yearbook
Related Articles
His older brother, John Switzer '47, was also lost in a Naval Aviation accident.
Class of 1953
Wendell is one of 62 members of the Class of 1953 on Virtual Memorial Hall.
