WAYNE H. SWANSON, LTJG, USN
Wayne Swanson '46
Lucky Bag
From the 1946 Lucky Bag:
Wayne Hjalmar Swanson
Ft. Morgan, Colorado
Although not a Red Mike at heart, this son of Sweden usually found dragging "too much trouble." His chief week-end interest was "seein' the shows with the boys." "Rock" came to Annapolis straight from high school, but had little trouble keeping right on the heels of the brains in his class. According to this sack drill artist, a few months of prep school in Southern California convinced him that the land of perpetual sunshine is almost as nice as Colorado. A winning smile and a cheery disposition, plus brains and brawn, forecast smooth sailing for "Rock" on any sea.
The Class of 1946 was graduated in June 1945 due to World War II. The entirety of 2nd class (junior) year was removed from the curriculum.
Wayne Hjalmar Swanson
Ft. Morgan, Colorado
Although not a Red Mike at heart, this son of Sweden usually found dragging "too much trouble." His chief week-end interest was "seein' the shows with the boys." "Rock" came to Annapolis straight from high school, but had little trouble keeping right on the heels of the brains in his class. According to this sack drill artist, a few months of prep school in Southern California convinced him that the land of perpetual sunshine is almost as nice as Colorado. A winning smile and a cheery disposition, plus brains and brawn, forecast smooth sailing for "Rock" on any sea.
The Class of 1946 was graduated in June 1945 due to World War II. The entirety of 2nd class (junior) year was removed from the curriculum.
Biography
From The Bayard Transcript (Bayard, Nebraska) on August 18, 1949:
Lt. (j.g.) Wayne Swanson, 25, was killed in a plane crash during practice dive bombing flight in the North Atlantic ocean Thursday [August 4, 1949], the Navy department informed his mother, Mrs. H. E. Swanson, today.
His body was not recovered, the Navy department said.
Lt. Swanson had left his base at Corpus Christi, Texas two weeks ago to take part in the maneuvers and was on a cruise to Halifax.
Rear Admiral T. L. Sprague, chief of navy personnel at Washington, D.C. sent the following telegram:
Died Serving His Country
"It is with deep regret that I officially report the death of your son, Lieutenant Junior Grade Wayne Hjalmar Swanson, USN, from plane crash from USS Midway in North Atlantic. His remains were not recovered. Your son died while serving his country and I extend my sincerest sympathy in your great loss."He had been in Fort Morgan on a month's leave the latter part of April and early in May following ceremonies at Corpus Christi when he received his wings on April 15. Mrs. Swanson had been visiting with him and they returned here together.
Born Here in 1924
Lt. Swanson was born March 10, 1924 at Fort Morgan and graduated from the Fort Morgan high school with the Class of '42. He had taken preparatory work in California and was admitted to Annapolis Naval Academy June 10, 1942 graduating June 15, 1945 with the commission of lieutenant junior grade.His brother, Howard, was reached in Lusk, Wyoming, this morning and is flying into Denver. Lt. Swanson's father, Dr. H. E. Swanson, died January 11, 1949. The Fort Morgan Times, August 5, 1949
Other Information
From researcher Kathy Franz:
At Fort Morgan High School, Wayne participated in the 220 yard low hurdles. His father was a dentist.
He was a member of Attack Squadron (VA) 44. (Information from Register of Alumni.)
He has a memorial marker Colorado.
Related Articles
Chester Penney, Jr. '46 and William Whalen, Jr. '46 were also members of 1st Company.
The "category" links below lead to lists of related Honorees; use them to explore further the service and sacrifice of alumni in Memorial Hall.
