Lucky Bag Yearbook

From the 1943 Lucky Bag:

ALBERT CONSTANCE KOPLEWSKI

“Son of the soil with a love for the elements”—that is Al. A rugged Lithuanian physique, an analytical mind, a desire for self improvement, and a “sea fever” were the sole foundations upon which “Kopper” erected the structure of his naval career. Humorous, considerate, and intensely loyal, with a “Gunga Din like” disregard for personal interests, Al soon formed the many firm friendships he so richly deserved, and after wrestling, dancing, studying, and laughing his way through the Naval Academy, Al set sail for that elusive destination, “success.” “Lookout reports clear course ahead, Al.”

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He was a member of the wrestling team.

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

Albert was lost on December 21, 1953 in a plane crash in England. He was evaluating the Wyvern, a Royal Navy turboprop attack airplane. (Information from “Wings & Warriors” by Donald Engen.)

Other Information

From the Class of 1943 anniversary book “25 years later…”:

Al was born in Chicago, Illinois on 18 April 1921. He was appointed from Michigan and reported to the Academy on 12 July 1939. Upon graduation he served as an instructor at the Naval Training School Harvard until November 1942 when he attended Fire Control School in Washington, D. C. In January 1943 he reported to the battleship USS ALABAMA and then the cruiser USS RENO until March 1945 when he reported to flight training. Al’s first operational flying duty was with Fighter Squadron NINETY-TWO which was followed by duty at Sandia Base, New Mexico until July 1952 when he reported to Observation Squadron THREE. in January 1953 he reported to the British Empire Test Pilot School, Farnborough, Hants, England for instruction. Al was killed near Stroud England on 21 December 1953 while conducting a checkout flight in a British-built aircraft that crashed. His medals were: The Navy and Marine Corps Medal, American Defense Service with Fleet Clasp, American Area Campaign, Asiatic-Pacific Area Campaign, Occupation Philippine Liberation and WW It Victory Medal. He was survived by his mother and father, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Koplewski who at Al’s death lived at Rural Route Number 4, Dowagiac, Michigan.

From researcher Kathy Franz:

Father was Henry who had a large farm - sold baled clover hay, alfalfa, and corn. Mother Michalena. Henry sponsored a family from Lithuania in 1948.

The South Bend Tribune reported on April 4, 1948 that Albert was then serving aboard USS Philippine Sea (CV 47).

He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

Navy and Marine Corps Medal

Unable to find a citation for the Navy and Marine Corps Medal cited on his gravestone. The March 30, 1945 Berwyn Life reported it was “for courageous and outstanding services during a most hazardous salvaging operation on his ship.”