Lucky Bag Yearbook

From the 1960 Lucky Bag:

DONALD ALLAN MOLLICONE

Don came to the Naval Academy from Brooklyn, New York. His typical Brooklyn accent and wit make him a must at a party. Most of his spare time is spent dragging local talent from Crabtown. Don came South with two and a half years experience of college life, making him a well indoctrinated student. As such he managed to squeeze in a little time for card games. As one of the stalwart members of the varsity dinghy sailing team, Don gained valuable experience sailing on the salty Severn. Don plans on a flying career with the U. S. Air Force, along with his brother, a West Point graduate.

Loss

Donald was lost on December 20, 1963 when the O1-E Birddog plane he was aboard crashed at Soc Trang Airfield in South Vietnam. He was a member of the 19th Tactical Air Support Squadron.

Shipmate

From USNA ‘60 Memorial Site¹:

We were saddened by the unhappy news of the death of Don, who was killed in an aircraft accident in South Viet Nam on 20 December 1963. He is survived by his widow, Rosemarie, who resides at 39 Primrose Lane, Closter, NH. Although the details are not available, it is certain he died in the line of duty. Henceforth, the mere mention of the Americans who have been struck down in far off South Viet Nam will be more meaningful, for we will sadly remember one of our men who was among them. To his family we offer our condolences-to his memory our humble praise. Shipmate, March 1964

Other Information

From USNA ‘60 Memorial Site²:

Donald A. Mollicone was born on October 23, 1937, to Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Mollicone. His home of record is Closter, NJ. He had one brother, Richard. Donald graduated from the US Naval Academy in 1960.

Mollicone served in the US Air Force and attained the rank of First Lieutenant (1LT).

Mollicone was killed in action on December 20, 1963, when his O1-E Forward Air Control plane crashed at Soc Trang Airfield. At the time of the crash, Mollicone was not stationed at Soc Trang. His crew had stopped there for a short time. They were to fly back to Bein Hoa.

In 1969, Mollicone Park in Closter was dedicated to Donald. It was rededicated in 1997, with Donald’s parents in attendance. The park is located in Closter (Bergen County) on Knickerbocker Road.

His brother, Richard, also served in the US Air Force, and served two tours in Vietnam. New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial

From researcher Kathy Franz:

Donald was appointed as an alternate to the Naval Academy by Congressman John H. Ray in February 1955. In December, Donald was named as a principal.

Donald married Rosemarie Schneible in September 1961, in Laredo, Texas. Attending the wedding were friends 2nd Lt. Norman A. Neiburger, and his family. Norman, known as “Lucky,” had just received his wings from the Air Force there.

Donald is buried in New York.

Photographs

Donald with his brother, Richard. Source

His wife, Dodie, with her parents. Source

Colorized version of his Lucky Bag photograph Source

Memorials

Don is among those names on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. As his loss was not due directly to hostile action, though, he does not appear in the Vietnam War section of the Killed In Action panel in Memorial Hall.

The Borough of Closter, NJ, dedicated the Lt. Donald A. Mollicone Memorial Park in 1969. It was refurbished and re-dedicated in May 2016³ as a part of an Eagle Scout project.

References