Lucky Bag Yearbook

From the 1961 Lucky Bag:

GENE RAYMOND GOLLAHON

Gino — 12th Company

On November 7, 1938, the world continued on its weary way unaware that in Cincinnati, Ohio, life was just beginning for Gene. He spent his entire life before coming to the Academy in Cincinnati, attending Purcell High School, and Xavier University for 1 year. Having tried to get into the Academy once before while in high school, Gene was a little more than surprised when, on his second effort, he found himself on his way. After coming to USNA he became a member of the Reef Points staff (editor of the ‘60-‘61 publication) and managed to make the Superintendent’s List most of the time. Some of his classmates wonder how, since they swear they never saw him out of the rack. Upon graduating from these hallowed halls Gene hopes to head for Pensacola and a career in the wild blue yonder.

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He was also a member of the 12th Company staff (fall).

Loss

Gene was killed in action on August 13, 1965 when his F-8D Crusader was shot down over North Vietnam while on a reconnaissance mission. He was operating from USS Midway (CV 41).

Other Information

From Find A Grave:

Lieutenant Gollahon was a member of Fighter Squadron 111, Carrier Air Wing 2 aboard the Aircraft Carrier USS MIDWAY (CVA-41). On August 13, 1965, he was the pilot of a Vought Crusader Fighter (F-8D) over Phat Diem, Thanh Hoa Province, North Vietnam when he was hit by enemy fire, crashed and exploded. His remains were recovered on June 26, 2000 and identified on February 5, 2002. His name is inscribed on the Courts of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial.

From the December 1965 issue of Shipmate:

Lt. Gollahon, who was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, attended Xavier University in Cincinnati before entering the Naval Academy, from where he was graduated in 1961. As a midshipman he was editor of Reef Points and was in the 12th Company.

Survivors include his widow, Mary Katherine Gollahon, and a daughter, Lori Ann, of 727 South Cypress St., Hammond, La., and his parents, Mr. and Mrs. George Gollahon of 6031 Argus Road, Cincinnati.

Gene was married with two children, Lori and Gene. Appears that Gene Jr. was born after Gene’s loss.

He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

Photographs

Source

Remembrances

Wall of Faces:

Thank you all for your kind wishes and thoughts for my father. His remains were recovered and he is now at rest in Arlington National Cemetery with all of the other heroes, as of 21 June 2002. Once again thanks for all the kind words for my dad. GENE R GOLLAHON JR, AT1(AW) USN Retired, 5/27/14

Happy Valentines Day Dad………………….. LORI STOKES, 2/13/01

Distinguished Flying Cross

From Hall of Valor:

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Gene Raymond Gollahon (NSN: 0-647574), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on 13 August 1965, while serving with Fighter Squadron ONE HUNDRED ELEVEN (VF-111), embarked in U.S.S. MIDWAY (CVA-41), during a low-level reconnaissance and strike mission near Nam Dinh, North Vietnam. Despite heavy enemy fire, a low cloud cover, poor visibility and rough terrain, Lieutenant Gollahon carried out his mission contributing greatly to the success of his squadron. Sustaining major damage to his aircraft from enemy ground fire, he displayed extraordinary airmanship in maneuvering his craft toward the nearby coast and potential safety. His aircraft was last observed to sustain several explosions and enter uncontrolled flight. Lieutenant Gollahon’s courage, determination and inspiring devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

General Orders: All Hands (July 1966)
Action Date: August 13, 1965
Service: Navy
Rank: Lieutenant
Company: Fighter Squadron 111 (VF-111)
Division: U.S.S. Midway (CVA-41)

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Kenneth O’Dea ‘61 was also a member of 12th Company.