ROY N. DUNKLIN, LT, USN
Roy Dunklin '43
Lucky Bag
From the 1943 Lucky Bag:
ROY NELSON DUNKLIN
Henderson, Texas
The "Tiger" was born on the crest of a sandstorm and rocked in the cradle of the metropolis of Texas—Henderson. After eighteen years in "God's Country" our hero hung up his spurs and saddle and mounted the stagecoach which was headed for Uncle Sam's School for Boys. Here he made a name for himself in the foreign language department—oh, what a name! His stories of the Lone Star State and of those beautiful Texas gals will never die—any deader. He held the record for "hot dogs" devoured in one sitting—fourteen. His favorite sports: eating, sleeping, and blondes will probably make the rest of his life short but sweet.
He was commander of 13th Company for the first set.
The Class of 1943 was graduated in June 1942 due to World War II. The entirety of 2nd class (junior) year was removed from the curriculum.
ROY NELSON DUNKLIN
Henderson, Texas
The "Tiger" was born on the crest of a sandstorm and rocked in the cradle of the metropolis of Texas—Henderson. After eighteen years in "God's Country" our hero hung up his spurs and saddle and mounted the stagecoach which was headed for Uncle Sam's School for Boys. Here he made a name for himself in the foreign language department—oh, what a name! His stories of the Lone Star State and of those beautiful Texas gals will never die—any deader. He held the record for "hot dogs" devoured in one sitting—fourteen. His favorite sports: eating, sleeping, and blondes will probably make the rest of his life short but sweet.
He was commander of 13th Company for the first set.
The Class of 1943 was graduated in June 1942 due to World War II. The entirety of 2nd class (junior) year was removed from the curriculum.
Loss
Roy was one of 44 men lost on January 6, 1945 aboard USS California (BB 44) in a kamikaze attack. The ship was providing shore bombardment at Lingayen Gulf.
Other Information
From researcher Kathy Franz:
On July 1, 1932, Roy received a rarely given Boy Scout award from the National Court of Honor for Boy Scouts of America. The award was for saving a woman, Mrs. J. A. Wise, from drowning at the risk of his own life on June 25, 1931. At that time, less than a dozen of these awards have been given in the history of scouting. In May 1933, Roy was Assistant Patrol Leader for Boy Scout Troop 18.
Roy was co-captain of the Henderson High School football team and played center. He ran the 880 and 440-yard runs in track. He was an honor student and established a record by winning ten athletic numerals during three years of eligibility: three in football, three in tennis, and two each in basketball and track.
He attended Kilgore Junior College where he played football and Marion Military Institute where he was on the Dean’s List.
His father was James, a manager of a grocery store, mother Emma, former Rusk County treasurer, and brother Vernon.
From the Class of 1943 anniversary book "25 years later…":
Tiger was born on 23 December 1919 in Henderson, Texas. He was appointed from Texas and entered the Academy on 23 June 1939. After graduation Tiger at tended various schools until he reported for duty aboard the battleship USS CALIFORNIA. He served in the CALIFORNIA until his death as a result of enemy action on 6 January 1945. He was authorized to wear the Purple Heart, the American Defense Service Medal with Fleet Clasp and the Asiatic-Pacific Area Campaign Medal. He was survived by his mother, Mrs. Emma Rose Dunklin who at Tiger's death resided at 206 South Van Buren Street, Henderson, Texas.
He has a memory marker in Texas.
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