Lucky Bag Yearbook

From the 1944 Lucky Bag:

Willard Averell Pollard III

Rather agnostic in his tendencies, Bill has displayed a general apathy toward things which have received the attention of the world’s generations. Yet behind this stoic exterior there lurks an astounding intellect. Seldom was a subject discussed that he did not explain its most trying intricacies. Many were the times that this mental giant proved he was right on some abstract point to the professor’s chagrin. But do not be deceived by his languid eye or delicate appearance. For with the ability of a true cosmopolite and naval officer, he will acquit himself with extraordinary dexterity in the most gruelling sport or the rowdiest carousal.

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The Class of 1944 was graduated in June 1943 due to World War II. The entirety of 2nd class (junior) year was removed from the curriculum.

Loss

Willard was when his S2F Tracker crashed immediately after takeoff from USS Antietam (CV 36) on November 14, 1954. His crew was pulled from the sea by USS Putnam (DD 757) quickly, but he died shortly afterwards from his injuries.

Other Information

From researcher Kathy Franz:

His father Willard was a Navy officer, mother Julia, sister Anne, and brother Philip. They lived in Norfolk in 1930.

On June 1, 1940, Willard left Cristobal, Canal Zone, for New York City.

Willard married Elizabeth Joyce Lister on April 22, 1947, at Pasquotank, North Carolina. They divorced sometime later, and he married Ione Iverson on September 1, 1950, at Breckenridge Lutheran Church in Minnesota. At the time, he was studying for a master’s degree in aeronautical engineering at the University of Minnesota.

He was survived by his wife and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.