MARK ESLICK, JR., CDR, USN
Mark Eslick, Jr. '35
Lucky Bag
From the 1935 Lucky Bag:
Loss
Mark was lost when his Curtiss SB2C-3 Helldiver was shot down over Kiirun Harbor, Formosa on October 12, 1944. He was commanding officer of Bombing Squadron (VB) 18, flying from USS Intrepid (CV 11).
His wife was listed as next of kin; they had two children together. His wife, Jane, later remarried a classmate of Mark's. Mark was also survived by his parents and sister.
Other
As reported in the Class News section of the July 1946 issue of Shipmate, Mark had taken over command of Harlan’s VB-18 squadron in February 1944. As commanding officer he “…flew 12 bombing and strafing missions against Palau, the Philippines, Nansli Shoto, and Formosa; led a 700-mile attack which destroyed 55,000 tons of merchant shipping; led 6 unescorted bombers in a devastating attack on harbor installations in the principal port of Northern Formosa.”
Mark's Naval Academy ring is in the collection of the US Naval Academy Museum.
Silver Star
From Hall of Valor:
(Citation Needed) - SYNOPSIS: Commander Mark Eslick, Jr. (NSN: 0-74816), United States Navy, was awarded the Silver Star (Posthumously) for extraordinary gallantry in action as Commanding Officer of a dive bombing squadron embarked in U.S.S. INTREPID (CV-11), on 12 October 1944. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
General Orders: Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 348 (March 1946)
Action Date: October 12, 1944
Service: Navy
Division: U.S.S. Intrepid (CV-11)
Distinguished Flying Cross
From Hall of Valor:
(Citation Needed) - SYNOPSIS: Commander Mark Eslick, Jr. (NSN: 0-74816), United States Navy, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight during World War II.
General Orders: American Battle Monuments Commission
Action Date: World War II
Service: Navy
Rank: Commander
Class of 1935
Mark is one of 56 members of the Class of 1935 on Virtual Memorial Hall.