JOHN J. MCDONALD, III, LT, USN
John McDonald, III '44
Lucky Bag
From the 1944 Lucky Bag:
John Joseph McDonald III
Los Angeles, California
A Scotsman from the old school, Mac could match plaids with the best of them, possessing all the quiet humor of his race, yet lacking entirely its legendary frugality. Mac hailed from the Minnesota snowbanks, but made a residential shift to California youngster year, and even managed to stir up a lasting romance with his first Santa Monica sunburn. Mac, a proficient boxer and swimmer, participated in numerous sports instead of specializing. In studies Mac was no savoir, but a little hard work always kept him above the danger mark. A deep sense of loyalty and a sincere consideration for others will place him in the van wherever he goes.
The Class of 1944 was graduated in June 1943 due to World War II. The entirety of 2nd class (junior) year was removed from the curriculum.
John Joseph McDonald III
Los Angeles, California
A Scotsman from the old school, Mac could match plaids with the best of them, possessing all the quiet humor of his race, yet lacking entirely its legendary frugality. Mac hailed from the Minnesota snowbanks, but made a residential shift to California youngster year, and even managed to stir up a lasting romance with his first Santa Monica sunburn. Mac, a proficient boxer and swimmer, participated in numerous sports instead of specializing. In studies Mac was no savoir, but a little hard work always kept him above the danger mark. A deep sense of loyalty and a sincere consideration for others will place him in the van wherever he goes.
The Class of 1944 was graduated in June 1943 due to World War II. The entirety of 2nd class (junior) year was removed from the curriculum.
Loss
John was lost when his F4U-5 Corsair crashed on February 27, 1950 near NAS Atlantic City. He had recently been engaged to be married. (Information from May 1950 issue of Shipmate.)
The Republican and Herald on February 28, 1950 reported that he most likely lost consciousness from lack of oxygen while at 28,000 feet; his aircraft crashed into the sea off Beach Haven.
Other Information
From researcher Kathy Franz:
John graduated from Central High School in Duluth, Minnesota, in 1939. Track 4; Swimming 3; Aviation 2; Math 3; Leaders Club; Boxing 2, 3, 4.
Father was John, mother Isabelle, brothers Kirk and Stewart.
Photographs
From his high school yearbook
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