LT CHARLES W. FRYER, USN

Class 1962

Born September 1, 1939

Died August 7, 1966

Age 26

Hometown Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Lucky Bag Yearbook

From the 1962 Lucky Bag:

Charles Wigger Fryer

A lad from a windy state, Oklahoma, “The Chucker” was known for his way with words, which he put to use for Navy in his many activities, including the Log and Splinter staff, Political Economy Club, Foreign Relations Club, and the debate team. Before settling down to military life at USNA, Chuck spent one partly-filled year at Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri, where he was a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity. Being a shutterbug, he shot a good many pictures for the Log and Splinter and the Lucky Bag. Not all of his time was spent in the darkroom, for being a typical Midshipman, “with a girl in every port,” Chuck played the field very successfully. Chuck thinks “Navy Line is mighty fine” and will be going into the Fleet.

Loss

Charles was killed in action off the coast of Vietnam on August 7, 1966 when his A-1H Skyraider was struck by enemy ground fire while attacking a train near Qui Vinh. He was a member of Attack Squadron (VA) 152, flying from USS Oriskany (CV 34).

Other Information

From the October 1966 issue of Shipmate:

Lt Fryer, who was born in Oklahoma City, Okla., attended Westminster College at Fulton, Mo., before entering the Naval Academy, from where he was graduated in 1962. He served as electronics material officer and anti-submarine warfare officer in USS SOLEY in the Mediterranean, then entered flight training at Pensacola. He received his wings in May 1965 and was assigned to Attack Squadron 122 at the Naval Air Station, Lemoore, then to Attack Squadron 152 in September 1965.

He is survived by his parents, Dr. and Mrs. Samuel R. Fryer of 1912 North West 18th St., Oklahoma City; a brother, Samuel R., Jr., and a sister, Susan Lee Fryer.

From the same issue’s Class of 1962 column:

He was a great classmate and a fine officer. He will be remembered and missed by all who knew him.

From researcher Kathy Franz:

Charles graduated from Northwest Classen High School in 1957. Falcons, 2, 3; “O” Club 2, 3; Football 2, 3; Track 2, 3.

Charles attended Westminster College after high school. He was on the cross-country team and a member of Alpha Phi Omega.

He received his appointment to the Naval Academy from Representative John Jarman in January, 1958.

Charles spent his August vacation in Oslo, Norway, with friends with whom he lived as a high school exchange student. The next summer he was on a naval cruise and also spent six weeks traveling on his own in Europe.

In May, 1965, he received his wings at Corpus Christi Naval Air Base and was next stationed at Lemoore Naval Air Base. In December, he was stationed on the Oriskany in Viet Nam waters.

From Wall of Faces:

Dearest Charlie, Thank you for caring about us. We will never forget you and you will be forever in our hearts. Until we meet again..We appreciate and love you. Diane & Terri DIANE MURPHY FARLEY & TERRI FARLEY KUMP, TERRI-KUMP@CHARTER.NET, 5/17/13

He is listed at the Courts of the Missing in Hawaii and has a memory marker in Oklahoma.