JESSE D. ELLIOTT, JR., LT, USN

From USNA Virtual Memorial Hall
Jesse Elliott, Jr. '37

Date of birth: August 5, 1915

Date of death: November 28, 1942

Age: 27

Lucky Bag

From the 1937 Lucky Bag:

1937 Elliott LB.jpg

JESSE DUNCAN ELLIOTT, JR.

Washington, D.C.

"Jesse" "Dune" "Fisty"

By entering our class on the eighth day of its existence, Dune reached his boyhood goal: "I wanna be a sailor." Characterized inwardly by an underlying seriousness and idealism, and outwardly by almost boyish enthusiasm for life, he possesses a keen sense of humor, the ability of making and keeping friends, a likable personality and a fond belief of the doctrine "laissez faire." He is always anxious to engage in athletics of almost any nature. Boxing, track, and cross-country prove his main weaknesses. His hobbies include reading, dragging, and having a good time.

Boxing. Musical Clubs Shows. C.P.O.

1937 Elliott LB.jpg

JESSE DUNCAN ELLIOTT, JR.

Washington, D.C.

"Jesse" "Dune" "Fisty"

By entering our class on the eighth day of its existence, Dune reached his boyhood goal: "I wanna be a sailor." Characterized inwardly by an underlying seriousness and idealism, and outwardly by almost boyish enthusiasm for life, he possesses a keen sense of humor, the ability of making and keeping friends, a likable personality and a fond belief of the doctrine "laissez faire." He is always anxious to engage in athletics of almost any nature. Boxing, track, and cross-country prove his main weaknesses. His hobbies include reading, dragging, and having a good time.

Boxing. Musical Clubs Shows. C.P.O.

Loss

Jesse was one of 492 people killed in a fire at the Cocoanut Grove nightclub on November 28, 1942.

Other Information

From researcher Kathy Franz:

Born in San Francisco, California. His father was a U. S. Army Colonel who retired December 31, 1939. His mother was Mary. In August 1931 mother and son came from Naples, Italy, to New York City.

In September 1936, Jesse and his wife-to-be Marion Nulsen attended a house party given by his classmate Felix de Golian (’37) and his sister. Midshipmen Frank Blasdell (’37) and Greer Duncan (’37) were also there. The group motored to Tate Mountain Estates and attended a dinner-dance on the roof of the Capital City Club.

Jesse and Marion were married on July 21, 1939. She was living with her parents in San Antonio when their daughter Barbara Long Elliott was born on May 27, 1940.

He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery, with his wife, who was also killed in the fire.

Career

Jesse was promoted to LTJG on June 3, 1940; on February 26, 1941 he was designated naval aviator #7196. On January 2, 1942 he was promoted to LT; me reported to Cruiser Scouting Squadron (VCS) 7 as detachment officer in charge (OIC) aboard USS Tuscaloosa (CA 37) on November 8, 1942. (Information from Richard Leonard, naval aviation historian.)

Memorial Hall Error

Jesse's loss was not operational in nature, and he should not be included in Memorial Hall. At least three other alumni (John Peter Paikos '43, Carl Benson Russell '43, and W. Robert Norton '44) were also lost in this fire and are not in Memorial Hall. (Information from January & February 1943 issues of Shipmate.)


Class of 1937

Jesse is one of 48 members of the Class of 1937 on Virtual Memorial Hall.

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