GORDON H. MASON, LTJG, USN
Gordon Mason '19
Lucky Bag
From the 1919 Lucky Bag:
Gordon Hancock Mason
Washington, D.C.
APRIL twenty-eighth, nineteen-thirteen, Gordon Hancock Mason, from Washington, D.C., sir, while still going ahead four bells and a jingle (mostly jingle), dropped his mudhook among the Crabs. We find him playing the rôle of Function on the good ship Reina, that famous old Spanish Warhorse. During Plebe summer he officiated as Second P. O., the snake-dance variety. After a year and a half of heavy firing between Hancock and the Academic Department, diplomatic relations were severed and passports tendered.
But in true Navy style he came back for more, and got it. By the use of good headwork and footwork, he outpointed his former adversaries, and acquired an exceedingly nifty insight into Naval Tactics.
Here he was aided and abetted by his athletic tendency (soccer). Gordon was likewise engaged in the frolicsome sport of dodging "James Legs and Bros., Inc.," for Dame Nic had some strangle hold on the young hound. Many's the wintry night he's swung his seagoing- hammock on his beloved ship. Many a time has he traversed the Bancroft Hall-White House route, and oft and often has he disembarked from the Reina, but only to return.
With the advent of First Class year, Gordon showed his true form. Walking and skagating constituted his heavy exercise. His walks started at Porter Row, embraced Annapolitan residences and ended at his Bancroft Hall cubby-hole. There he sat and moped, till the next week-end rolled round.
We must admit that with a credit of four midshipman's cruises (total, one year), one black "N***," and a license as a Crabfleet pilot, "El Maison" should be some sea dog.
Grand Honors: Self-selected keeper of the Golden Five.
Honors: Buzzard; Soccer Squad 6; Swimming Squad 6, 5.
The Class of 1919 was graduated on June 6, 1918 due to World War I. The entirety of 2nd class (junior) year was removed from the curriculum.
Gordon Hancock Mason
Washington, D.C.
APRIL twenty-eighth, nineteen-thirteen, Gordon Hancock Mason, from Washington, D.C., sir, while still going ahead four bells and a jingle (mostly jingle), dropped his mudhook among the Crabs. We find him playing the rôle of Function on the good ship Reina, that famous old Spanish Warhorse. During Plebe summer he officiated as Second P. O., the snake-dance variety. After a year and a half of heavy firing between Hancock and the Academic Department, diplomatic relations were severed and passports tendered.
But in true Navy style he came back for more, and got it. By the use of good headwork and footwork, he outpointed his former adversaries, and acquired an exceedingly nifty insight into Naval Tactics.
Here he was aided and abetted by his athletic tendency (soccer). Gordon was likewise engaged in the frolicsome sport of dodging "James Legs and Bros., Inc.," for Dame Nic had some strangle hold on the young hound. Many's the wintry night he's swung his seagoing- hammock on his beloved ship. Many a time has he traversed the Bancroft Hall-White House route, and oft and often has he disembarked from the Reina, but only to return.
With the advent of First Class year, Gordon showed his true form. Walking and skagating constituted his heavy exercise. His walks started at Porter Row, embraced Annapolitan residences and ended at his Bancroft Hall cubby-hole. There he sat and moped, till the next week-end rolled round.
We must admit that with a credit of four midshipman's cruises (total, one year), one black "N***," and a license as a Crabfleet pilot, "El Maison" should be some sea dog.
Grand Honors: Self-selected keeper of the Golden Five.
Honors: Buzzard; Soccer Squad 6; Swimming Squad 6, 5.
The Class of 1919 was graduated on June 6, 1918 due to World War I. The entirety of 2nd class (junior) year was removed from the curriculum.
Loss
Gordon died in London, England, on December 3, 1918 when he fell from the window of his hotel room "at an early hour" "in his night attire."
He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
Memorial Hall Error
No matter the actual case of Gordon's loss — suicide, accident, or murder — it was not operational, and he should not be listed in Memorial Hall.
Gordon is one of 11 members of the Class of 1919 on Virtual Memorial Hall.
The "category" links below lead to lists of related Honorees; use them to explore further the service and sacrifice of alumni in Memorial Hall.
