THOMAS J. BUCHANAN, JR., LT, USN
Thomas Buchanan, Jr. '43
Lucky Bag
From the 1943 Lucky Bag:
THOMAS JENNINGS BUCHANAN, JR.
Nacogdoches, Texas
"In the year 1845 the Union was admitted to Texas:" quote Mr. Buchanan. Buck brought from the South a genuine love of music, and a mastery of several musical instruments. His good academic record reflected that he was a conscientious worker, yet he could be counted on to find time to join eagerly in a good hot argument. Buck's athletic activities were confined principally to golf and tennis, his active interest in model airplane building and collecting recordings taking up the majority of his remaining free moments. His dragging was moderate, always keeping in the back of his mind the O.A.O. still in Texas. Forceful, and a man you can depend on, '43 is glad to have had him as a classmate.
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 JENNINGS BUCHANAN, JR.
Nacogdoches, Texas
"In the year 1845 the Union was admitted to Texas:" quote Mr. Buchanan. Buck brought from the South a genuine love of music, and a mastery of several musical instruments. His good academic record reflected that he was a conscientious worker, yet he could be counted on to find time to join eagerly in a good hot argument. Buck's athletic activities were confined principally to golf and tennis, his active interest in model airplane building and collecting recordings taking up the majority of his remaining free moments. His dragging was moderate, always keeping in the back of his mind the O.A.O. still in Texas. Forceful, and a man you can depend on, '43 is glad to have had him as a classmate.
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
Thomas was lost on July 2, 1946 when his F4U-4 Corsair crashed off the coast of Virginia while flying from NAS Norfolk. Another Corsair from the same squadron was lost on the same day.
Other Information
From researcher Kathy Franz:
Thomas was actually appointed as second alternate to West Point by Congressman Patton of Crockett, Texas in March 1939.
Thomas married Marian Meek on August 15, 1942, in Seattle, Washington. He was survived by his daughter Marianne who was born May 14, 1945. His father Thomas was an assistant postmaster.
From the Class of 1943 anniversary book "25 years later…":
BUCK was born on 7 August 1920 in Nacagdoches, Texas. He received his appointment from Texas and entered the Academy on 26 July 1939. After graduation, he served aboard the battleship USS NEVADA until February 1944, when he reported for flight training. After duty involving flight instructor in Dallas, Texas, Ottumwa, Iowa, Corpus Christi, Texas, Jacksonville, Florida, and Norfolk, Va. he reported for duty to Fighter Squadron Seventy-five which was based in the Norfolk, Va area. It was during this tour of duty on July 2, 1946 while flying off Virginia Beach that his plane crashed into the water while attempting to fly under a rainstorm.
He was survived by his wife Marian Meed, who when BUCK was killed resided at 7611-D Newport Avenue Norfolk, Va.
His medals included American Defense Service, American Area Campaign, Asiatic-Pacific Area with one Bronze Star, European-African with one Bronze Star and the World War Il Victory Medal.
He has a memory marker in Texas.
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