ROBERT D. POLAND, ENS, USN
Robert Poland '55
Lucky Bag
From the 1955 Lucky Bag:
ROBERT DUNNAM POLAND
Texarkana, Arkansas
After spending a year at Marion Institute in Alabama, Polo climbed on his hoss and rode north through the Gateway of the Southwest and finally through Gate Three, USNA. Since water skiing was not included in Navy's sports program, Bob found gymnastics was a good substitute and could be found every afternoon chalking up for another swing around the bar. Polo was always unusually quiet between reveille and breakfast, which was probably due to the fact that he did most of his talking during the night in his sleep. Bob is determined that he will spend his post-grad days getting his wings.
ROBERT DUNNAM POLAND
Texarkana, Arkansas
After spending a year at Marion Institute in Alabama, Polo climbed on his hoss and rode north through the Gateway of the Southwest and finally through Gate Three, USNA. Since water skiing was not included in Navy's sports program, Bob found gymnastics was a good substitute and could be found every afternoon chalking up for another swing around the bar. Polo was always unusually quiet between reveille and breakfast, which was probably due to the fact that he did most of his talking during the night in his sleep. Bob is determined that he will spend his post-grad days getting his wings.
Loss
Robert was lost on October 24, 1956 when his F9F2 Panther Jet crashed during practice carrier landings at Forrest Sherman Field (Pensacola, Florida). He was waved off from landing, and then his plane bounced and crashed.
Other Information
From researcher Kathy Franz:
He graduated from Arkansas High School in 1950. Assistant Business Manager of the Porker yearbook, Band, Allied Youth, Senior Play, Cheerleader. Class Will: my love for adventure in the woods. Class Prophecy: owner of a large chain of tourist courts.
His parents operated the Swaha Lodge until 1967. His sister was Patricia; brother James.
He is buried in Texas.
Photographs
From the Lucky Bag
From his high school yearbook
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