THOMAS A. BOULTON, CDR, USN
Thomas Boulton '43
Lucky Bag
From the 1943 Lucky Bag:
THOMAS ARTHUR BOULTON
Gladwin, Michigan
Tim is one of Michigan's native sons—-just ask him! His interest in medicine almost caused him to follow in his father's footsteps, but somehow the Navy intervened, and he found himself a member of '43. The least of Tim's worries was academics, but he always found time to play a little bridge. Baseball and golf were Tim's specialties, with bull sessions running a strong third. To say that Tim dragged rarely would be putting it mildly; he found more important things to do. A friendly disposition and ability to cope with any situation are traits which will make Tim a good man to have around.
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.
THOMAS ARTHUR BOULTON
Gladwin, Michigan
Tim is one of Michigan's native sons—-just ask him! His interest in medicine almost caused him to follow in his father's footsteps, but somehow the Navy intervened, and he found himself a member of '43. The least of Tim's worries was academics, but he always found time to play a little bridge. Baseball and golf were Tim's specialties, with bull sessions running a strong third. To say that Tim dragged rarely would be putting it mildly; he found more important things to do. A friendly disposition and ability to cope with any situation are traits which will make Tim a good man to have around.
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.
Biography & Loss
From Find A Grave:
THOMAS A. BOULTON, son of Dr. and Mrs Arthur O. Boulton, of Gladwin, will graduate from the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis on June 19. The new Ensign was born June 12, 1921. He graduated from Gladwin High School with the class of 1938, and continued his studies for one year at Olivet College. He was nominated to Annapolis from Gladwin county by Congressman Roy O. Woodruff of the 10th Congressional District of Michigan, and appointed a Midshipman in the United States Navy on July 26, 1939, entering with a class of 793 students. The class of 1943 completed the four year course in three years, and will graduate nearly 600 Midshipmen. Along with his Ensign's commission, Tom receives his Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. He graduates in the upper ten per cent of his class, having received the coveted Midshipman "Stars" for academic distinction in his last two years. Mrs Boulton, Mrs Glen Wagar, Miss Mary Louise Wagar and Miss Grace Fox, left last week for Annapolis to be Midshipman Boulton's guests during "June Week" and graduation. He will return with them for a short visit at his home here before going to sea about July first Dr. Boulton, who has been ill the past week, has entered the hospital until Mrs Boulton and Tom's return. Gladwin County Record, June 17, 1942
From Find A Grave:
Tom Boulton Killed in Plane Crash
Word was received in Gladwin this morning that Commander Thomas A. Boulton, 37, of the United States Naval Air Force, was instantly killed Tuesday evening when his plane crashed on a carrier ship at San Francisco, Calif.
According to information received here, Commander Boulton was landing his jet plane on a new flat-top plane carrier in the harbor at San Francisco. The grappling cable, that catches the plane as it lands on the deck, apparently did not function properly and flipped his plane over instead of halting it.
Tom had talked to his mother, Mrs. E. Rose Boulton, in Florida last week and told her they were loading planes preparatory to going to sea and expected to leave for Japan July 1.
He was also planning on meeting Mrs. Boulton in Gladwin May 27 for a three-day leave. Commander Boulton was married to the former Miss Helen Tuttle of California in 1947 and their 10th anniversary would have been May 24. With their three children, they made their home in Santa Barbara, Calif.
He was a graduate of the Gladwin High School and the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis. The above photo was made at the time of his graduation. Burial will be in California. Further information will be printed later. Gladwin County Record, May 15, 1957
Note that there are many inaccuracies in the article. He was not piloting a jet aircraft, the aircraft carrier was not operating in San Francisco harbor, and the ship was not new.
According to his daughter, he was piloting an A3D Skyraider and crashed while recovering aboard USS Bon Homme Richard (CV 31) on May 14, 1957.
He was "attached to Heavy Attack Squadron Two." (Information from July 1957 issue of Shipmate.)
Other Information
From the Class of 1943 anniversary book "25 years later…":
Tom was born in Detroit, Michigan on 12 June 1921 He was appointed from the state of Michigan and entered the Academy on 26, July 1939. Upon graduation he reported aboard the destroyer USS SCHROEDER. That ship took part in the Gilbert Island operation, the Marshall Islands operation, the Marianas operation. In June 1945, Tim proceeded to flight training. His first flying duty in the fleet was with Fighter Squadron 2A aboard the carrier USS TARAWA. Then followed tours ashore and afloat in flying billets including Composite Squadron SIX and then Heavy Attack Squadron TWO. While serving in Heavy Attack Squadron TWO, Tom lost his life in an aircraft accident on board the carrier USS BON HOMME RICHARD off the Coast of Monterey, California on 14 May 1959. He wore the following medals: American Defense Service with Fleet Clasp, American Area Campaign, Asiatic-Pacific Area Campaign with three Bronze Stars, and the WWII Victory Medal. He is survived by his wife Helen and their children Thomas Arthur Junior, Barbara Ann and Keith Tuttle. Helen is now Mrs. W. B. Fargo, 903 First Street, Coronado, California. 92118.
His wife, Helen, was a LT in the US Navy Nurse Corps and niece of Fleet Admiral Leahy. She remarried to a Class of 1939 graduate, William Fargo. Thomas was also survived by a daughter, Barbara, and two sons, Tom and Keith. All of the children took their stepfathers surname. Tom Fargo graduated the Naval Academy in 1970 and retired from the US Navy as an Admiral and Commander of the US Pacific Command. Keith Fargo also served in the Navy, retiring as a Captain in the Supply Corps.
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