WILLIAM M. DAVIDSON, LT, USN

From USNA Virtual Memorial Hall
William Davidson '81

Date of birth: January 24, 1958

Date of death: June 18, 1987

Age: 29

Lucky Bag

From the 1981 Lucky Bag:

1981 Davidson LB.jpg

William M. Davidson

Beaufort, South Carolina

Bill, better known as "HAWKEYE" under sail and "STUD" around his friends, came to the Academy via the NAPS route. Originally from that quietly famous state of South Carolina, Bill was quick to show "FUN 21" his genial southern charm. "Country Club" Bill was the only person in the class of '81 that had a black sweater that not only did not have a hole in it, but one that actually fit him like a designer sweater. Bill's interest were varied indeed, so long as it included sailing somehow. When not under sail, Bill could be found in his rack or in the wardroom eating (never studying). Bill visited the Med. for both cruises and came back smiling both times. It was the sun, right Hawk?!! There always complaints when "old man" Bill sauntered into the company wardroom and blinded everyone due to his ever increasing bald spot.

… BILL, HAWKEYE, STUD, COUNTRY CLUB, OLD MAN. No matter how you say it, it always comes out FRIEND!! Flake it down Bill-Bon!!

1981 Davidson LB.jpg

William M. Davidson

Beaufort, South Carolina

Bill, better known as "HAWKEYE" under sail and "STUD" around his friends, came to the Academy via the NAPS route. Originally from that quietly famous state of South Carolina, Bill was quick to show "FUN 21" his genial southern charm. "Country Club" Bill was the only person in the class of '81 that had a black sweater that not only did not have a hole in it, but one that actually fit him like a designer sweater. Bill's interest were varied indeed, so long as it included sailing somehow. When not under sail, Bill could be found in his rack or in the wardroom eating (never studying). Bill visited the Med. for both cruises and came back smiling both times. It was the sun, right Hawk?!! There always complaints when "old man" Bill sauntered into the company wardroom and blinded everyone due to his ever increasing bald spot.

… BILL, HAWKEYE, STUD, COUNTRY CLUB, OLD MAN. No matter how you say it, it always comes out FRIEND!! Flake it down Bill-Bon!!

Loss

William was lost on June 18, 1987 when his F-14A Tomcat crashed in North Carolina while practicing for an airshow. He was the pilot; the Radar Intercept Officer was also lost. They were both members of Fighter Squadron (VF) 33.

Other Information

William was a native of Beaufort, South Carolina. He played football for Beaufort High School and graduated in 1976.

He was survived by his wife Lisa, his parents Joyce and Willard Davidson of Beaufort, South Carolina; a brother, Robert Davidson USAF of Beaufort; and a sister, Linda Davidson Smyth of North Charleston, South Carolina.

He is buried in the Temple Beth El Cemetery of Pensacola, Florida.

Photographs

Related Articles

Matt Colombo '82 was also lost in this crash.


Class of 1981

William is one of 14 members of the Class of 1981 on Virtual Memorial Hall.

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