THOMAS J. BOYLE, JR., LTJG, USN
Thomas Boyle, Jr. '66
Lucky Bag
From the 1966 Lucky Bag:
THOMAS JAMES BOYLE JR.
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
The "Rock," as Tom was known by his friends for his efforts on the football field, came to the Naval Academy from Rome, New York. His vivacious, on-the-go personality quickly won him many friends. Always active, he participated in the French Club and the Foreign Relations Club, kept himself informed on current events and still found time to keep his grades at Superintendent's List level. After class hours, Tom could be found out on the football field where he knocked heads with his fellow mighty mights, Navy's 150 lb. football team. Always looking for a good time. Tom could frequently be seen in the center of the dance floor or comparing prices on the latest model sports car. Tom is seeking a major in political science and is anxious to begin a most certainly successful career in the Naval service.
THOMAS JAMES BOYLE JR.
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
The "Rock," as Tom was known by his friends for his efforts on the football field, came to the Naval Academy from Rome, New York. His vivacious, on-the-go personality quickly won him many friends. Always active, he participated in the French Club and the Foreign Relations Club, kept himself informed on current events and still found time to keep his grades at Superintendent's List level. After class hours, Tom could be found out on the football field where he knocked heads with his fellow mighty mights, Navy's 150 lb. football team. Always looking for a good time. Tom could frequently be seen in the center of the dance floor or comparing prices on the latest model sports car. Tom is seeking a major in political science and is anxious to begin a most certainly successful career in the Naval service.
Loss
Thomas was lost on March 8, 1968 when his aircraft crashed near Lemoncove, California. He had been serving with Attack Squadron (VA) 122, based at Lemoore Naval Air Station, California.
Other Information
From the June 1968 issue of Shipmate:
Memorial services were held in the Naval Air Station Chapel, Lemoore. A celebrated Mass in St. Teresa's Church, Springfield, Ohio, was conducted by five priests, including his brother, Fr. Tim Boyle of Rome, N. Y., and an uncle, Fr. John Boyle of Cincirmati. Interment was in St. Bernard's Cemetery.
Lt. Boyle was born in Springfield, and attended St. Aloysius Academy at Rome, N. Y. He was president of the junior and senior classes, a representative to Boys State, and an Eagle Scout. As a midshipman he was a member of the 150-pound football team. He was graduated from the Naval Academy in 1966.
After flight training in Pensacola, Lt. Boyle was assigned to Meridian, Miss., then to Beeville, Tex., where he received his wings in October 1967. He reported to Lemoore on 17 Dec. 1967. At the time of the accident he was on a routine tactical training flight in a Corsair II; reports indicate that he had time to eject from the plane prior to the crash but did not, because of danger to the town of Lemoncove.
Survivors include his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Boyle of 5208 N. Francis Ave., Oklahoma City, Ok. 73118; his brother, who is an assistant at St. Paul's Church in Rome, N. Y., and a sister, Mrs. Mary Joan Mattoon of Amsterdam, N. Y.
Thomas is buried in Ohio.
Photographs
From the June 1968 issue of Shipmate.
Related Articles
Bruce Fryar '66 and Andrew Sekan '66 were also in 16th Company.
Arthur Staecker '66 and Leroy Bates '66 were also members of Attack Squadron (VA) 122 in 1968. All three men were killed in a six month period.
The "category" links below lead to lists of related Honorees; use them to explore further the service and sacrifice of alumni in Memorial Hall.
