Lucky Bag Yearbook

From the 1945 Lucky Bag:

Robert Belknap Mack

Battalion Pushball 3; Battalion Yawl Sailing 1; Boat Club 4, 3, 1; Choir 4, 3, 1.

“Robin’s” ambition to follow in his father’s footsteps led him to set a course toward Annapolis and his chosen career which, we hope will be as fruitful as his three years by the bay. Even his frequent skirmishes with the Academic Board did little or nothing to daunt his spirit. After “math” was a thing of the past, his only comment was, “Plebe year is fruit.” With the coming of First Class year, academic troubles were over and wedding plans were in order for the day after graduation. When he was not with the “O. A. O.,” his weekends were occupied as skipper of a yawl. Smooth sailing to you, Robin. . .

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The Class of 1945 was graduated in June 1944 due to World War II. The entirety of 2nd class (junior) year was removed from the curriculum.

Loss

Robert was lost when his F4D-1 Skyray crashed on September 24, 1957 off the coast of Norway. His son, Robert, emailed on June 1, 2021 to clarify the accident report concluded “…the cause of this accident cannot be determined with the evidence available.” He was operating from USS Saratoga during NATO exercises at the time.

Other Information

Earlier his his career he was a test pilot for the F4D Skyray.

From Find A Grave:

He married Patricia Dickinson on October 19, 1946 and was a Lieutenant Commander in the United States Navy. He was buried at sea near the coast of Norway; his inscription on his grandparents’ marker is simply a memorial for him.

He was survived by his wife¹ and two sons, Robert and David. (Information from November 1957 issue of Shipmate.)

It appears that one of the search and rescue aircraft may have been lost the same day.

Photographs

Robert with a F4D Skyray, possibly at NAS Patuxent River or at Cecil Airfield prior to deployment. Photo courtesy of his son, Robert.

Related Articles

Edward Morgan ‘45 was also in 5th Company.

References