ROBERT DONALDSON, LT, USN

Robert Donaldson '34

Date of birth: July 23, 1912

Date of death: February 8, 1943

Age: 30

Lucky Bag

From the 1934 Lucky Bag:

ROBERT DONALDSON

St. Petersburg, Florida

"Bob"

FOR one who has ever heard an argument over the relative merits of Florida and California there is no more staunch upholder of the famous everglade and alligator state than Bob. From time to time he has taken the part of his adopted state in such heated debates that any Chamber of Commerce would be justly proud of him. Of course, we are proud to know him and to call him friend.

Mere tussles with the Academic Departments have never phased him in the least but Youngster Year did give him a bit to think about. However, he passed the reef safely and has remained with us ever since. Nevertheless, when it comes to managing costumes for any theatrical production, here is the man for the job. Not only is he the perfect manager, but he is an actor as well, as will be remembered from his performance in the Masqueraders Plebe Year. In other fields of achievement one will always associate Bob with hands full of lacrosse sticks to be fixed and with the other duties in connection with the Indian sport. This is merely another proof of his excellent managing ability which, may greatly benefit him in his secret political aspirations. Who knows, here may be an embryo chief of this fair land. Bob is one of those fortunate individuals who, once they undertake anything can invariably succeed in it. This ability coupled with his inevitable good humor should assure his success in all that he undertakes.

Masqueraders Cast 4. Reception Committee 3, 2, 1. Masqueraders and Musical Clubs Costnine Gang 3, 2, 1. Assistant Lacrosse Manager 4, 3, 2. 2 P.O.

ROBERT DONALDSON

St. Petersburg, Florida

"Bob"

FOR one who has ever heard an argument over the relative merits of Florida and California there is no more staunch upholder of the famous everglade and alligator state than Bob. From time to time he has taken the part of his adopted state in such heated debates that any Chamber of Commerce would be justly proud of him. Of course, we are proud to know him and to call him friend.

Mere tussles with the Academic Departments have never phased him in the least but Youngster Year did give him a bit to think about. However, he passed the reef safely and has remained with us ever since. Nevertheless, when it comes to managing costumes for any theatrical production, here is the man for the job. Not only is he the perfect manager, but he is an actor as well, as will be remembered from his performance in the Masqueraders Plebe Year. In other fields of achievement one will always associate Bob with hands full of lacrosse sticks to be fixed and with the other duties in connection with the Indian sport. This is merely another proof of his excellent managing ability which, may greatly benefit him in his secret political aspirations. Who knows, here may be an embryo chief of this fair land. Bob is one of those fortunate individuals who, once they undertake anything can invariably succeed in it. This ability coupled with his inevitable good humor should assure his success in all that he undertakes.

Masqueraders Cast 4. Reception Committee 3, 2, 1. Masqueraders and Musical Clubs Costnine Gang 3, 2, 1. Assistant Lacrosse Manager 4, 3, 2. 2 P.O.

Loss

Robert was lost on February 8, 1943 when the aircraft he was piloting crashed near Hampton Roads, Virginia. "He radioed that he was having aerlion trouble and shortly thereafter apparently bailed out. He was either too low or his parachute did not properly deploy and he was killed on impact." He was commanding officer of Scouting Squadron (VS) 9. (From naval aviation historian Richard Leonard via email on April 3, 2018.)

Other Information

From researcher Kathy Franz:

In his St. Petersburg High School yearbook, the No-So-We-Ea, Robert’s Airlog included: A. A. 2 years; Jr. C. of C. 2 years; Scholarship Club 3 years; weekly Palmetto & Pine; Staff Editor of Soph. Edition; Make-up Editor of Jr. Edition; Regular Reporter Jr. Year; Staff Editor ’30; Junior Christmas Play ’28; Jr. Class Swimming Team. His AIR-SPEED INDICATOR: “Bob” aspires some day to move the world with his pen and to that end he is constantly struggling. Robert was named a “Popular Pilot” in the yearbook with this accompanying sketch. It was noted that his classmates believed “he could pursue a journalistic career leading to fame.” During high school, Robert spent his summers as a counselor at the Scy Camp at Blue Ridge, North Carolina. This camp’s unique emphasis was on character building and giving boys “certain skills and avocation interests in woodcraft, nature lore, athletics, water sports, handicraft and campcraft that should prove of material value to them in later life.”
Robert’s father was also an editor and newspaper reporter who died in 1932. His mother was Claire, and his brother was Bill. Robert was born in Elwood, Indiana.

He became naval aviator #5260 on July 6, 1937.

His full career is listed below, but of note: The 1941 Navy Directory lists him as a member of the aviation unit aboard USS Noa (DD 343). Noa was part of an experiment in placing scout aircraft on destroyers.

Robert's class ring is a part of the collection of the Naval Academy Museum.

He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.