GARY J. HIRSCH, LTJG, USN
Gary Hirsch '68
Lucky Bag
From the 1968 Lucky Bag:
GARY JOEL HIRSCH
Newark, New Jersey
Coming from a Navy family and the son of a Canoe U. graduate Gary immediately got into the swing of things plebe summer as our platoon chaplain. His immaculate personal appearance, closely cut hair, and bright shoes were a source of inspiration to us all. A very original individual, Gary's unique taste of music and clothes was another source of envy. His quick wit and easy going personality were a welcome addition to our many ring dips, study periods and post game parties. Sports-minded and an able competitor, Gary enjoyed playing company soccer and fieldball. In the spring it was not unusual to see him limping back to Mother "B" after a bruising rugby game. On free afternoons, Gary could often be seen in his rubber suit adhering to a self enforced physical fitness program. His other interests, wine, women, song, and the blue trampoline are common to us all. Gary's fun loving nature never permits anything to stand in the way of a good time. His dedication can only lead to a successful naval career.
GARY JOEL HIRSCH
Newark, New Jersey
Coming from a Navy family and the son of a Canoe U. graduate Gary immediately got into the swing of things plebe summer as our platoon chaplain. His immaculate personal appearance, closely cut hair, and bright shoes were a source of inspiration to us all. A very original individual, Gary's unique taste of music and clothes was another source of envy. His quick wit and easy going personality were a welcome addition to our many ring dips, study periods and post game parties. Sports-minded and an able competitor, Gary enjoyed playing company soccer and fieldball. In the spring it was not unusual to see him limping back to Mother "B" after a bruising rugby game. On free afternoons, Gary could often be seen in his rubber suit adhering to a self enforced physical fitness program. His other interests, wine, women, song, and the blue trampoline are common to us all. Gary's fun loving nature never permits anything to stand in the way of a good time. His dedication can only lead to a successful naval career.
Loss
Gary was lost when the TAF9J Cougar jet he was piloting crashed 20 miles north of Freer, Texas, at the McMullin Target Range, on November 5, 1969. He was on a practice bombing flight.
Other Information
From the January 1960 issue of Shipmate:
Lt.(jg) Gary J. Hirsch, USN, was killed in an aircraft crash on 5 November 1969 near the Naval Air Station, Chase Field, Tex.
Lt.(jg) Hirsch was born in Newark, N. J., and was a member of the Eleventh Company at the Naval Academy. Following graduation from the Academy in June 1968, he had naval air training at Pensacola and at Meridian, Miss. Lt.(jg) Hirsch was attached to Training Squadron 25 based at Chase Field at the time of the accident.
Survivors include his parents LCdr. Stanley M. Hirsch, USNR (Ret.) '45 and Mrs. Hirsch of Norfolk, Va.
From researcher Kathy Franz:
A 1964 graduate of Norview High School, Norfolk, Virginia. Sr. Director of the Key Club, Jr. Civitan Club, "Most Wittiest" nominee.
Gary is buried in New Jersey.
Photographs
From his high school yearbook
Related Articles
Dwight Pattee '68 was also in 11th 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.
