WILLIAM L. ARBOGAST, 1LT, USMC
William Arbogast '62
Lucky Bag
From the 1962 Lucky Bag:
William Levi Arbogast
Sunbury, Pennsylvania
"The Little Corporal" reported to Navy Tech via the Marine Corps and NAPS. Academics never bothered Bill, for he stood second in his class at NAPS, was a Navy starman, and held down a regular position on the Superintendent's List. Academics were not his only forte, for he supported many company teams on the athletic fields. Bill's high quality of leadership, his genuine sincerity, and the ease with which he handled any situation at any time will long be remembered by all who knew him. Long remembered also will be his quaint Pennsylvania Dutch colloquialisms. Bill compiled an excellent record at the Academy, and no one has any doubts that the same success will follow him throughout his career.
He was also a member of the 6th Battalion staff (fall).
William Levi Arbogast
Sunbury, Pennsylvania
"The Little Corporal" reported to Navy Tech via the Marine Corps and NAPS. Academics never bothered Bill, for he stood second in his class at NAPS, was a Navy starman, and held down a regular position on the Superintendent's List. Academics were not his only forte, for he supported many company teams on the athletic fields. Bill's high quality of leadership, his genuine sincerity, and the ease with which he handled any situation at any time will long be remembered by all who knew him. Long remembered also will be his quaint Pennsylvania Dutch colloquialisms. Bill compiled an excellent record at the Academy, and no one has any doubts that the same success will follow him throughout his career.
He was also a member of the 6th Battalion staff (fall).
Loss
Bill was lost on December 26, 1964, when the helicopter he was co-piloting crashed while participating in rescue and relief efforts along the flooded Eel River in Humboldt County, California. Four others were also lost; the pilot was the only survivor.
Other Information
From the February 1965 issue of Shipmate:
It is with a great deal of sadness that I announce the death of another classmate, William L. Arbogast on 26 Dec. Bill was a pilot attached to USS BENNINGTON which was taking part in relief and rescue operations off the coast of California and Oregon during the flood. His helicopter developed engine trouble and crashed in the Eel River.
I think the following words written by one of his closest friends sums up this young officer's brief life: if Bill could have chosen a way to die, it would have been while helping someone else. The service has lost a man who lived as he believed, in honesty, integrity, and a sense of dedication to the common good.
From researcher Kathy Franz:
William graduated from Selinsgrove High School in 1956 with honors. He played football and baseball and received a letter in both sports, was editor-in-chief of the year book, and was named King at the junior-senior prom. The next year in May 1957, he and his former queen, crowned the new king and queen.
William enlisted in the Marines in August 1956. He attended the Naval Preparatory School at Bainbridge before entering the Naval Academy.
Father Edward, mother Mary, brothers Edward, Corporal USMC, and John.
Photographs
From The Daily Item on May 18, 1957
From Hall of Valor:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant William L. Arbogast (MCSN: 0-84194), United States Marine Corps, for heroism at the risk of life while participating in aerial flight while serving with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron THREE HUNDRED SIXTY-THREE (HMM-363), from 24 December 1964 to 26 December 1964. While participating in rescue and humanitarian relief operations in Humboldt Country, California disaster area, First Lieutenant Arbogast as the co-pilot of a helicopter did, due to the urgency of the mission and knowing that uncharted power and communication lines existed across his flight path, repeatedly and heroically expose himself to extremely hazardous situations which required a conspicuously high level of aeronautical skill and mature judgment to relieve the suffering of the civilian populace in the disaster area. The constant foul weather made flight operations close to impossible in mountainous terrain which is hazardous to flight under best of conditions. By his aggressive attitude and superbly skillful airmanship, he was able under extremely adverse conditions to evacuate the sick and homeless and to deliver medicine, food and other vital supplies to those in desperate need. He gave his life in an attempt to bring help and comfort to the disaster victims and to prevent additional loss of life. His meritorious and selfless conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Action Date: December 25 - 26, 1964
Service: Marine Corps
Rank: First Lieutenant
Company: Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 363 (HMM-363)
The "category" links below lead to lists of related Honorees; use them to explore further the service and sacrifice of alumni in Memorial Hall.
