JACKSON R. ROBINSON, LT, USN
Jackson Robinson '46
Lucky Bag
From the 1946 Lucky Bag:
Jackson Roy Robinson
Fort Worth, Texas
Winning an "N" in varsity fencing during his plebe year was but a mild beginning for this affable redheaded Texan His associates were quick to realize that the best of everything comes from the Lone Star State and we were pleased to learn that Texas annexed the United States, regardless of historical statements to the contrary. Unselfish, always helpful and a storehouse of good common sense, Robbie was a source of wise advice, patient understanding and wholesome fun.
The Class of 1946 was graduated in June 1945 due to World War II. The entirety of 2nd class (junior) year was removed from the curriculum.
Jackson Roy Robinson
Fort Worth, Texas
Winning an "N" in varsity fencing during his plebe year was but a mild beginning for this affable redheaded Texan His associates were quick to realize that the best of everything comes from the Lone Star State and we were pleased to learn that Texas annexed the United States, regardless of historical statements to the contrary. Unselfish, always helpful and a storehouse of good common sense, Robbie was a source of wise advice, patient understanding and wholesome fun.
The Class of 1946 was graduated in June 1945 due to World War II. The entirety of 2nd class (junior) year was removed from the curriculum.
Loss
Jackson was lost on October 18, 1956 when the FJ-3 Fury fighter he was piloting crashed after being catapulted from USS Bennington (CV 20) west of Hawaii. He was flying with Fighter Squadron (VF) 21, based at Oceana Naval Air Station.
Other Information
From researcher Kathy Franz:
Jackson graduated from Paschal High School in 1940. His nickname was “Red.” He was Captain of Company F his senior year and was second vice president of the Senate Club in the spring 1940. He then attended Arlington State College. At 19, he took competitive examinations for both service academies.
Per the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, October 20, 1956:
It had been his goal throughout his childhood and adolescence to enter West Point. At the age of 8, he met former Congressman Lanham and asked for an appointment.
Eleven years later, Lanham recommended him for an appointment, but it was for the Naval Academy. Young Robinson gave up his West Point dream and entered Annapolis. He was graduated in 1945.
He was a member of the National Honor Society while in high school and won the saber presented to the marksman having high scores in rifle matches. Robinson had been a lieutenant colonel in ROTC units.
Jackson married Barbara Hall in June, 1950, in the Chapel in the Woods at the naval air base in Norfolk. On July 10, Jackson left for sea duty. In December 1951, Jackson finished postgraduate work at the academy, and after a visit with his parents, he went to Monterey, California.
He was uninjured in the 1954 explosion and fire on board Bennington which took about 100 lives. In 1956, he served on the carrier Forrestal and was transferred to Bennington in San Francisco. She left 10 days before his crash. A letter he wrote his mother arrived Friday, October 19. She said in the news article above that she thought Bennington was on its way to Hong Kong.
His father Roy was a post office clerk, mother May was born in France, brother Dan, and sister Joann (Mrs. R. C. Brister.)
He graduated the Naval Postgraduate School in July, 1952.
From the December 1956 issue of Shipmate:
JACK ROBINSON was lost when his FJ-3 Fury crashed into the sea after having been catapulted from the deck of USS BENNINGTON (CVA-20) somewhere west of Pearl Harbor. His body was not recovered. Jack was attached to Fighter Squadron 21, an Oceana squadron which is temporarily deployed with the Pacific Fleet as a unit of Air Task Group 181. Jack was also aboard the Forrestal (CVA 59) during her shakedown cruise and was among the first pilots to fly off her huge flight deck. Jack was designated a naval aviator in 1949, took Communication PG at Monterey in 1952, and after a tour of duty at NAS Hutchinson, Kan., joined VF-21 in 1954.
He is survived by his widow, Barbara, and two children, Melinda (3), and Jack (1 mo.), who will remain in Lynnhaven, Va.
Unable to find a memory marker, though Jackson's Find A Grave page is here.
He is not listed in the USS Bennington (CV 20) WestPac Cruise Book 1956-57, but there is no In Memoriam page or even firm dates for departure on cruise.
Photographs
From his 1940 high school yearbook
From the 1941 yearbook of Arlington State College
From the Fort Worth Star Telegram on July 4, 1950
From the Fort Worth Star Telegram on October 20, 1956
Related Articles
John Thompson, Jr. ’46 was also on the fencing team.
The "category" links below lead to lists of related Honorees; use them to explore further the service and sacrifice of alumni in Memorial Hall.
