JOHN H. POWNALL, LTJG, USN
John Pownall '47
Lucky Bag
From the 1947 Lucky Bag:
John Howard Pownall
Tyrone, Pennsylvania
Quiet, pensive, and amiable, Johnny possesses the qualities which enable him to get along well with everyone he meets. A prospective bachelor, he believes that women are a snare and a delusion and that liquor is the salvation of mankind. Thoughts of former days at Penn State, tweeds, sleeping late in the morning, and house parties made it difficult for him to accustom himself to the midshipman's monastic existence. His ability to say something beneficial, or say nothing, his thoughtfulness of others, everlasting calmness and his quality of being a gentleman will earn the respect of all his future associates.
The Class of 1947 was graduated in June 1946 due to World War II. The entirety of 2nd class (junior) year was removed from the curriculum.
John Howard Pownall
Tyrone, Pennsylvania
Quiet, pensive, and amiable, Johnny possesses the qualities which enable him to get along well with everyone he meets. A prospective bachelor, he believes that women are a snare and a delusion and that liquor is the salvation of mankind. Thoughts of former days at Penn State, tweeds, sleeping late in the morning, and house parties made it difficult for him to accustom himself to the midshipman's monastic existence. His ability to say something beneficial, or say nothing, his thoughtfulness of others, everlasting calmness and his quality of being a gentleman will earn the respect of all his future associates.
The Class of 1947 was graduated in June 1946 due to World War II. The entirety of 2nd class (junior) year was removed from the curriculum.
Loss
John was lost on February 13, 1951 when the plane he was piloting crashed in the Mediterranean Sea.
Other Information
From researcher Kathy Franz:
John received his Eagle Scout award in February 1939. He was a member of Troop No. 24. In February 1940, the troop took over the municipal government for a day, and John was elected a councilman.
Graduated from Tyrone Area High School, Class of 1941. From his yearbook: Nickname "Hip." Band 2; Hi-Y 1, 2, 3; Track Team 3. Takes his time ... peeved by a Model T Ford ... golfer ... neat looking ... captivating manner ... a mainstay.
In 1942, he was attending State college studying electrical engineering and was a member of Beta Theta Pi. John was named first alternate to the Naval Academy by Congressman James E. Van Zandt in December, 1941.
His father Walter was a master mechanic at a paper mill, mother Helen, brother Walter Jr., sisters Mary (Mrs. Ralph Hagberg) and Josephine (Mrs. J. C. Davis, Jr.)
From Altoona Mirror on February 16, 1951:
Lt(jg) John Pownall, aged 27, son of Mrs. Helen B, Pownall of State College, formerly of Tyrone, and the late H. Walter Pownall, was killed recently while serving aboard the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Roosevelt in the Mediterranean sea. He was a fighter pilot. A telegram from the department of navy, received Tuesday Bight by Lt. Pownall’s brother, Walter, in Briarcliff, N. V., was the initial notification. Lt. Pownall was born in Tyrone June 3, 1923, and attended Tyrone High school, graduating in 1941. He attended Severn school, Annapolis, Md, the Pennsylvania State college and the United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, where he was graduated in 1945. Lt. Pownall was a nephew of Adm. Charles A Pownall, retired. He had been on duty with the navy since graduation from the academy.
John's Find A Grave page is here.
Photographs
Related Articles
Kenneth Brown '47, George Dent, Jr. '47, Joseph Melesky '47, and William Grimes '47 were also in 10th Company.
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