MASSEY L. PIERCE, LTJG, USN

From USNA Virtual Memorial Hall
Massey Pierce '58

Date of birth: November 14, 1936

Date of death: June 15, 1960

Age: 23

Lucky Bag

From the 1958 Lucky Bag:

1958 Pierce LB.jpg

MASSEY LEW PIERCE

Fort Thomas, Kentucky

Matt came to a new life at Navy from the whiskey capital of the world. From the moment he first stenciled his gear, he was a keen competitor for the blue and gold, and always demonstrated a willingness and capacity to learn. Competing in all phases of intramurals and extracurricular activities, Matt gained a countless number of friends with his crisp and personable sense of humor. He aspires to travel down Pensacola way after graduation and to win those coveted wings of Navy air.

1958 Pierce LB.jpg

MASSEY LEW PIERCE

Fort Thomas, Kentucky

Matt came to a new life at Navy from the whiskey capital of the world. From the moment he first stenciled his gear, he was a keen competitor for the blue and gold, and always demonstrated a willingness and capacity to learn. Competing in all phases of intramurals and extracurricular activities, Matt gained a countless number of friends with his crisp and personable sense of humor. He aspires to travel down Pensacola way after graduation and to win those coveted wings of Navy air.

Loss

From the August 1960 issue of Shipmate:

It is my sad duty to announce the death of Lt. (jg) MASSEY L. "MAT" PIERCE in an aircraft accident near San Diego, Calif. Mat was attached to Utility Squadron Seven at NAAS Brown Field, Chula Vista, Calif. All of those who knew Mat will agree that we have lost a classmate who was an outstanding officer and a fine person. He is survived by his mother, his widow Sallie, and a son.

Other Information

From researcher Kathy Franz:

Massey was flying his Navy FJ4 Fury jet when it crashed and burned at Brown Field. He was taking off for a training mission.

In his teen years, he was a member of Lambda Sigma Kappa Fraternity in Fort Thomas. Purpose “To have a Good Time in the Proper Spirit.” At Highlands High School, he participated in Hi-Y, basketball, and baseball.

He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

Photographs


Class of 1958

Massey is one of 28 members of the Class of 1958 on Virtual Memorial Hall.

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