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croft Hall to begin a long and tedious training period which ended early in June °f x959- It was through the assistance of you, the American people, that this costly operation was made possible. Now it is our turn to repay you. We shall all go our separate ways: most to the Fleet, many to the Air, some to the Marine Corps and a few to the Civil Engineering and Supply Corps. Wherever it may be, however, we shall all have the same goal: to protect and defend the people and possessions of the United States. Here then, in the pages to follow, is a resume of our years of work and times of enjoyment which we shall all recall to mind through the years, with none but the fondest of memories.

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DAVID D. SULLIVAN

BUSINESS MANAGER GERALD L. PETERSON

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We of the Naval Service owe much to the ninety- eight Lawmakers of the Upper House. It is they who

have allowed us to build and maintain a Fleet so

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vital to the defense of the Nation. Through their tire- less efforts they have made the United States Navy

the most powerful fighting force afloat and thereby strengthened the First Line of Defense. The Class of

Nineteen Fifty-Nine proudly and respectfully dedicates

this LUCKY BAG to the United States Senate.

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CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS

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Rear Admiral Charles L. Melson, USN

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Captain J. Lloyd Abbot, Jr., USN Executive Officer, Bancroft Hall

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Captain John N. C. Gordon, MC, USN

Senior Medical Officer, United States Naval Academy

Head of Department of Hygiene

Captain John V. Smith, USN Academic Aid to Superintendent Secretary to the Academic Board

13

Captain K. G. Schacht, USN Head of Department of Seamanship and Navigation

Captain J. W. Thomson, USN Head of Department of Ordnance and Gunnery

Captain William D. Brinckloe, USN Head of Department of Marine Engineering

Captain J. S. Schmidt, USN : Head of Department of Electrical Engineering

Captain Franklin S. Rixey, USN Head of Department of Mathematics

Captain Alan M. Nibbs, USN Head of Department of English, History and Government

Captain Ralph Weymouth, USN Head of Department of Aviation

Captain J. E. Dougherty, USN Head of Department of Foreign Language

Captain Slade Cutter, USN Head of Department of Physical Education

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Chaplain Henry J. Rotrige Commander, USN

Chaplain Henry C. Duncan Lieutenant Commander, USN

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The Chapel is a building whose physical beauty approaches that of its high purpose. Always a source of inspiration to midshipmen, its dome and gold peak were the first part of the Naval Academy the young man saw on entering and the last he saw as he left, an Ensign, to begin his service in the Fleet. Symbolizing his mission is a window of stained glass, signifying the Commission Invisible, in which the newly-commissioned officer stands before Christ, who is pointing toward the Flag of the United States. Mass was said here each morn- ing and on Sundays the Protestant Service fol- lowed at eleven o'clock. The march to Chapel, in whose crypt lies the body of John Paul Jones, was one of the proudest moments of a midshipman. It was in the quiet moments of rest and reflection during the Chapel ceremony that he realized the magnitude and solemnity of the task he had chosen for his life's work. The Chapel became a symbol of the highest ideals of the service, a reminder of the great responsibility of all under its shadow. It was here that the midshipman developed the moral fiber so necessary to uphold the traditions of courage and valor for which the Naval Service is famous.

academics

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If you had dared to mention the words "Executive Department" to a newly sworn-in Fifty-niner during Plebe Summer he would probably have ex- hibited little but fear of those he knew only as denizens of the Main Office. The same question two and a half years later, however, would have brought a ready (albeit somewhat strained) re- spect for this same department — and the System it represents. It wasn't until Second Class year that the budding officer first encountered class- room Naval Leadership, which presented the the- ory behind the military system. Then, during First Class year he was briefly introduced to "Naval Organization and Leadership" and "Mili- tary Law," both necessary adjuncts to the devel- opment of a thoroughly versatile junior officer.

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seamanship navigation

The most obvious and basic skill required by the Naval Officer is that of shiphandling. Our first contact came early in Plebe Summer as we learned that knot-tying and whale-boat pulling didn't go out with the old Navy, nor was the age of sail completely dead. We fancied ourselves the tradi- tional iron men in wooden ships as we sailed the yawls to learn the effects of wind and tide. We re- turned to S&N two years later to discover DR tracks, three-point fixes, and the wonders of a del- ta-D sight form. We ended Second Class year su- premely confident and fairly competent navigators, and got the chance during First Class cruise to ce- ment the flaws in our learning with the mortar of experience. The final year instructed us in the fine arts of the use of ATP-i, CIC, and the Rules of the Road; we became experts at whipping our YP's through their paces after many hours afloat.

It is the mission of the Department of Marine Engineering to give to the midshipman the know- how to keep his vessel in a condition of complete readiness. From the classroom work in engineer- ing drawing, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, boilers and auxiliary machinery to the laboratories with facilities for experimentation in the fields of strength of materials, hydrodynamics and steam turbines, the midshipman was given a substantial background for his work in modern ships of the Line.

marine engineering

electrical engineering

Throughout our four years at the Naval Academy the Department of Electrical Engineering has done its best to demonstrate the meaning of the phrase "through study and practical instruction." The highlights of the course were the labs where we were able to put our classroom knowledge to practical test. Even though we worked through many lab hours to the accompaniment of break- ing test tubes in the basement of Maury and the popping of circuit breakers and "zapps" of smol- dering meters in Griffin, we found at the end of four years that we not only had finished the course, but also had absorbed a valuable store of knowledge in the passing.

There is little purpose in gaining contact with the enemy if the ship cannot deliver the ordnance to destroy this enemy. The Department began edu- cating the midshipman in the field of ordnance and gunnery at the beginning of his Second Class year by introducing him to the fundamental weapons in use and the basic mechanisms which comprise these weapons. From this, the midship- man progressed to the theory and practice of fire control. During his education, in keeping with current developments, more stress was placed on guided missiles, aerial, underwater and nuclear weapons.

mathematics

Mathematics demanded hard work from all of us during our first two and one-half years at Navy. We were at it five days a week and it seemed as if we would never follow all those derivations. But whether it was calculus, spherical trigonometry or strength of materials, it was all information which we were to use many times. In most cases we learned its practical application right in the classroom, and demonstrated our learning in the Math Department's examinations, which were universally respected for their comprehensiveness and fairness. The Department of Mathematics succeeded in presenting us with a basic and in- teresting tool for our work and our careers.

english history &

government

In our modern and tightly-knit world containing as it does wars of propaganda and lies, it is important that our military leaders should know the "why" and "wherefore" as well as the "how." It was toward this important portion of a midshipman's education that the curriculum and efforts of the Department of English, History and Government were directed. During his tour at the Academy the midshipman studied literature, history, economics, government and political science. The First Class individual research paper was a fitting end to the four-year program, for it brought into focus all that had been taught before.

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It was the task of the Department of Aviation to intro- duce us to the fundamentals of aerodynamics and flight, in order that we might better understand the acceler- ating developments in air warfare. We learned of the theory of flight and the application of its basic formulae, and gained practical experience in the N3N "Yellow Perils." First Class year introduced us to meteorology, a fitting end to a course in aviation.

foreign languages

The smattering of French or German that had been impressed upon us during Plebe year provided a basis for many rewarding relation- ships during Youngster cruise, but some of us found the "Dago" Department remis in not having established at least a few Scandi- navian sections. With our return to USNA as polished world travelers, we began the second phase of language study. We re- ceived a thorough indoctrination in the culture, history and mores of the various countries whence sprang the six languages offered for instruction. We progressed to the point where we were capable of taking the conn of a Portuguese trawler, Spanish galleon or Siberian dog sled.

physical education

The high standards maintained by the Department of Physical Education became evident to us during Plebe Summer as we received a taste of the varied program ahead, and when academic year came these standards were to produce physically fit midshipmen. Few will forget those agonizing fifteen minutes after the agility test or those days spent learning one more gym event. We wrestled in the loft and struggled to free ourselves from the Dilbert Dunker, were taught flawless swimming techniques and built muscles for applied strength. As Second Classmen we found that to stay afloat for forty minutes in white works was our big hurdle.

hygiene

The Hygiene Department had the dual function of teaching hygiene to midshipmen, while at the same time caring for their health. Hygiene is the only course of instruction required by Congress to be taught to midshipmen, and, as all classes before us, we became familiar with the fibula, the tibia, the medulla oblangata and learned in general the principles of hygiene necessary to preserve a healthy body. For those who developed an illness in spite of all, the Department provided a staff of medical officers to relieve the multitudinous aches and pains of 3600 men.

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colleges and universities attended by members of the

class of '59

Alabama Polytechnic Institute

Antioch College

Arkansas State College

Auborn College

Auburn Theological Seminary

Augustana College

Baker College

Birmingham Southern College

Boston College

Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute

Brown University

Canisius College

Carroll College

Case Institute of Technology

Centanary College

Central College of Ecuador

Chaffey College

City College of New York

Clemson Agricultural College

College of Idaho

College of Marin

College of San Meteo

College of Sequoias

College of Wooster

Colorado School of Mines

Colorado State University

Cornell College of Mt. Vernon

Cornell University

Dartmouth College

Davidson College

Depauw College

Drexel Institute of Technology

Duke University

East Central State College

Ecuadorian Naval Academy

Emory University

Fairmont State Teachers College

Franklin and Marshall College

Fresno State College

Geneva College

Georgetown University

Georgia Institute of Technology

Gordon- Military College

Hannibal LaGrange Junior College

Harpor College

Hartnell College

Hendrix College

Humboldt State College

Hunter College

Iowa State College

Jacksonville University

Johns Hopkins University

Joliet Junior College

Kansas City Junior College

Kansas State College

LaSalle College

LaSalle Peru Oglesby College

Lehigh University

Lewis College

Littlerock Junior College

Long Beach City College

Loras College

Louisiana State University

Lowell Institute of Technology

Loyola University of Los Angeles

Marion Institute

Marquette University

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Memphis State College

Menle College

Miami University of Ohio

Michigan State College

Mississippi State University

Montana State College

Monterey Peninsula College

Newark College of Engineering

New York State Maritime Academy

North Carolina State College

Northeastern University

North Georgia College

Northwestern University

Notre Dame University

Ohio State College

Oklahoma City University

Oregon State College

Pennsylvania State College

Pomana College

Purdue University

Queens College

Reed College

Regis College

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Rich Institute of Technology

Ripon College

Royal Military Academy of Belgium

Rutgers University

Saint Bonaventure University

Saint John's University

Saint Joseph's College

Saint Lawrence University

Saint Louis University

Saint Peter's College

Saint Thomas College

Shimer College

Simpson College

South Carolina State College

South Dakota School of Mines

Southwest Texas State College

Spring Hill College

Stanford University

Swarthmore College

Syracuse College

Texas A&M

Texas School of Technology The Citadel Transylvania College Tulane University U.S. Military Academy U.S. Merchant Marine Academy University of Akron University of Alabama University of Arkansas University of Buffalo University of California University of Los Angeles University of Cincinnati University of Colorado University of Denver University of Detroit University of Florida University of Illinois University of Iowa University of Kansas University of Kentucky University of Louisville University of Maryland University of Massachusetts University of Michigan University of Minnesota University of Mississippi University of Missouri University of Nebraska University of New Hampshire University of Ohio University of Oklahoma University of Oregon University of Pennsylvania University of Pittsburgh University of Rhode Island University of Rochester University of San Francisco University of Scranton University of Texas University of Utah University of Washington University of Wisconsin Utah State College Vanderbilt University Villanova University Virginia Military Institute Washington State College Weber Senior College Western Maryland University West Virginia School of Technology West Virginia Wesleyan Whittier State Teachers College Wisconsin State College Wright College

29

our four years

30

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summer '55

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33

Dear Folks,

At last I am a midshipman, but what a hectic day I spent becoming one. All day long we have been filling out forms, standing in lines, filling out more forms, and standing in more lines. I know this is hard to believe, but they even issued us eight pairs of shoes at one time. This afternoon we were herded into Memorial Hall and raised our right hand to take the oath. For most of us the sudden realization that we were midshipmen was something of a shock, but a shock filled with pride. You should have seen our first formation! It was really a riot. There was a combination of every type shirt, trousers, and shoes you can imagine. Some even wore pajamas! It is time for taps, and tomorrow looks like another impossible day. Hope I find time to write again this summer.

Love, Bob P.S. Don't forget the chow.

at last a midshipman

I, Samuel Joseph Knox Jr., of the State of Pennsylvania,

aged 1 8 years, having been appointed a midshipman in the

United States Navy, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I

will support and defend the Constitution of the United

States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I

will bear true allegiance to the same; that I take this obli-

gation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose

of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the

duties of the office on which I am about to enter; So help

me God.

34

then it all began

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were the hottest months on record

no one disagreed

but still we worked

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and we played

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and tried to sleep

and sweated

and tried to forget

yet time moved on

37

plebe year

Dear Folks,

Plebe year is underway (I'm really getting to sound quite nautical!). I've read about it, heard about it, and seen movies about it, but it was still impossible to conceive until it became a reality. The better part of my day seems to be spent look- ing up Plebe questions, bracing up against some upperclassman's bulkhead, and getting chewed out for some little "unforgivable" error I have made. Meals in the messhall are the worst ordeal of the day. You would think that I was the only person in the messhall besides the upperclass, but I'll live through it. They did!

Love, Jim

Dear Kathy,

How does it feel to be a freshman in college? I'll bet it is a lot different than being a Plebe. Last weekend we won our first football game, and as a result we got to "carry on" for the rest of the week- end. This means that I didn't have to brace up, an- swer questions, and all those other nuisances that go with being a Plebe. I even slept for a few hours on Sunday afternoon for the first time since I have been here. Here's hoping we have an undefeated season! Things are getting better here as I get used to the routine, but I'm still looking forward to those two weeks of Christmas leave. See you then.

Love, Jerrie

Dear Ellen,

Only have a few minutes before Chapel, but I don't want to let another day pass without writ- ing you concerning a very important occasion. As you know the last Saturday in November Navy plays Army in football, and believe it or not we, the Plebes, can drag to the game ("drag" is our word for date). If you can possibly come to Phila- delphia, I would like very much to have you as my drag. After the game we can go to the Brigade Co- tillion. Must get this in the mail. Hope you will accept the invitation.

Love, Ron

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for fifteen days

Dear Uncle Bill,

It seems as though it was well before the Army game when last I wrote and here it is already the end of June Week and my first year at the Academy. My Christ- mas Leave was just perfect and I was able to see the folks once again. It got so for a while that I thought I never would.

. how they flew by

It was the fastest fifteen days I ever spent and alas too soon I was engaged in the unavoidable finals of the first semester. The Dark Ages were interrupted only by an occasional good Navy basketball game. But I got through all my exams, though the upperclass tell me they were the easiest ones I shall ever take.

42

I couldn't make it home for Spring Leave but did manage to get to D.C. and see one of my old gal friends. The weather was just terrible though and I was almost late returning. That would have been all I'd have needed to make my life as a Plebe infinitely tougher. I am going to have to start studying a lot hard- er next year.

— '

. then came finals

The last exams of Plebe Year weren't too much harder than the first. I spent an awful lot of time in the shower though and got caught the last night. How I dislike E.D.! I'll probably have a bad case of eyestrain to start cruise.

June Week was just fabu- lous. The Folks came down and we all had a big fling be- fore cruise. I went to my first hop, the Farewell Ball just last night. Well, Sir, to- morrow I go on cruise on the Iowa. I shall be sure and see you when I get back and tell you just how much the Navy has changed since you were a midshipman.

Sincerely, Dave

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Dear Uncle Jim,

Here we are in the middle of the Atlantic ocean. For the last week we have been doing all different types of operations. Most of my operations, how- ever, have been done with a swab or chipping ham- mer in hand. As usual, the day we embarked at Annapolis it rained, so we all managed to get on board with our gear wet. That didn't bother me too much though, for the minute we cast off our first line, I got sick and stayed that way for some time. At the present time I am standing watches in the engineering spaces. Never has there been so much equipment crammed into one little place. I can't wait until we reach our first port. Just think; mail, a long hot shower, a big steak, and all those other things I'm dreaming of. Here comes the Boatswain's Mate so I had better get to work.

Sincerely, George

44

45

oslo

Dear Loretta,

Your letter arrived today and I wanted to be sure and answer it right away. Oslo is just about the most beautiful place I have ever seen. The people are really nice and the parks are most interesting. Frog- ner Park is on the agenda for today and so I am going to end this so I won't miss the liberty boat.

Love, Bill

Copenhagen

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Dear Jan,

People have always told me that Co- penhagen is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and now I know they were right. I'll never forget Tivoli, Kron- berg Castle, the "Little Mermaid" and the wonderful Danish people. I have tak- en a lot of pictures which I'll show you. It is wonderful here, but it sure will be nice to get home and see you.

Love, Dave

Stockholm

Dear Mother and Dad,

We have but one more day here in Stockholm before we once again set sail and I know that if I ever have the oppor- tunity to see Europe again in my life, I shall come here first. From the people to the sights, it is nearly a Paradise. Will be writing you a longer letter from London.

Love, Tom

Hamburg

Dear Uncle Pete,

Thank you for the ten dollars. It sure will help in the liberty days ahead in Hamburg. Germany cer- tainly has changed since the war as far as I can compare after having read my textbooks carefully last year. They have some of the most beautiful churches I have ever seen. Love, Dave

london

Dear Folks,

Yesterday I arrived in London after spending another week at sea. They certainly were right about "foggy London Town." We have not seen the sun since we have been here. Besides the regular sightsee- ing, I have tickets to several of the better plays; tonight we are going to see "Kismet." We are having a ball, but every day I think more and more about that sign over our kitch- en sink, "Home Sweet Home." See you in August.

Love, Mike

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Dear Mother and Dad,

In three more days I'll be home. Sunday afternoon we arrived here in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, for our last bit of training before calling it "a summer." Since then we have spent most of our time firing the big guns at practice targets. My ears are still ringing from yester- day's gunfiring. It hasn't been all work, however. Dur- ing our free time we have been swimming, sunning, eating, and spending our money. Yesterday I had my first hamburger since we left the States in June. It really was a treat. If I can stand another day of blazing heat and deafening gunfire, I'll see you in front of Luce Hall Saturday morning. Make sure to get the car washed and the tank filled.

Love, Pete

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Dear Sally,

Back once again at good old USNA, I tat pen in hand once again to thank you for th fectly wonderful times we had together this su mer. You certainly made a wonderful leave even better for me. It sure feels good to be wearing the lone stripe of a full-fledged Youngster. Now I'll actually be able to drag you some weekend and on liberty Saturday evenings and Sunday noons. The best of it all is that I can just^i and watch the new Plebes get run without having to worry about running the gauntlet myself. I'll be writing you again very soon arid let you know about the big weekend coming up called Alumni Weekend. Be sure to write and send some of your cookies too.

Love, Bill

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Dear Norman,

Another summer has started. At the present time we are at Little Creek, Virginia "playing ma- rine". The official title of it is Tramid and after a little thought I have finally found out that it is an abbreviation meaning "training of midshipmen". We are living in quonset huts and have all of our belongings in a locker about the size of a big shoe- box. Most of our time has been spent listening to lectures, and then going out to practice what we have learned. Next week we are going out to sea in LST's to make a real landing. If all goes well I'll see you about the first of August.

Sincerely, Tom

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Dear Kath,

At last I'm learning something about what it takes to become a pilot. When we first arrived here we spent three days being indoctrinated, but now we are flying every day. Yesterday my instructor let me do some acrobatics — loops, wingovers, rolls, and anything else that I could do. Tomorrow I get my first jet ride. That should prove exciting. The beach here is really tops, and since we have every late afternoon, and weekend free, I am catching up on my suntan and swimming. Shine up the wa- ter skis for I'll soon be home.

Love, Ken

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Dear Uncle Roy and Aunt Bessie, Here we are back at sea after that wonderful weekend in New York City. I want to thank you again for putting me up for the weekend. This afternoon I am going to be catapult- ed in a S2F. Since I've heard so much about the odd feeling that ac- companies this, I'm really looking forward to it. Yesterday I went up in an AD and had quite a ride. The pilot was determined to get me sick, but thank goodness he failed. It is almost time for dinner, so thanks again.

Love,

Bob

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second class year

Dear Mom and Dad,

I arrived back safe and sound and on time aft

a terrible trip. It seems as though returning

leave gets worse and worse. I do have

look forward to this year though,

flying each week during the fall

that we have some pretty rug

but I should be able to pass th

agonal stripe sure looks good

great to get that extra weekend each semester

Will be writing again soon.

Love, Jim

tests

second di-

will really be

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Dear Mom and Dad,

This is by far the worst year for the studies and I have been so snowed under lately that I wonder how I shall ever get through. I have decided that I am going to take it easy for a few weeks though. Ring try-ons were really quite a thrill and mine is really a beauty. I can hardly wait until I get it next June. President Eisenhower will be here for the 150 pound Army-Navy football game next week, so I shall have a look at the biggest "wheel" I have ever seen. I'm also learning how to play bridge. After a few weeks of calling the singleton the simpleton and bidding 3 spades when holding only the deuce and causing my wives much anxiety, I am finally getting the knack of the game. I shall sign off for now with a promise to write again soon.

Love, Walt

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Dear Betty,

I'm sorry I didn't get to write to you before this, and the only excuse I can offer is that Second Class academics have been keeping me pretty busy. I had a few days vacation this past week, though, when I made my exchange trip to West Point. The Second Class do this each year so they can learn a little about what life is like up there on the Hudson. My group of about eighty mids left last Thursday noon and we got back to the Naval Academy Sunday evening, so we had two full days up there. Friday morning was quite a shock. Reveille went at 0600, but instead of just getting up we had to get up, get dressed, and fall in outside for muster. Saturday morning was worse yet, because when we got outside we found six inches of snow on the ground. It sure woke me up, but I guess I could get used to it if I had to do it all the time. Each one of us had a Cadet host to guide us around. We lived in his room and went