Lucky Bag Yearbook

From the 1966 Lucky Bag:

THOMAS LEE WALLS

Tom comes to us from Bardstown, Kentucky, the home of some of our nation’s fine bourbons, where the ever-present smell of sour whiskey mash gave him a caustic outlook on life. He is well liked by his classmates, but tends to be somewhat reserved. Tom has a bad habit of studying, and holds an academic position in the top of the class. He participates actively in company sports such as cross-country and softball, and is a member of the varsity pistol team. He hopes to obtain a major in naval management before leaving Navy. Due to a strong phobia against submarines and his not-so-sterling eyesight, Tom seems destined for a place of responsibility in our surface Navy.

Loss

Thomas was lost on February 26, 1970 when the EA-3B Skywarrior he was aboard crashed shortly after taking off from USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA 42).

Other Information

From the June 1970 issue of Shipmate:

Lt. Thomas L. Walls died at sea on 26 February as a result of an aircraft accident following catapult launch from the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt. Memorial services were held in the Rota Naval Station Chapel.

Lt. Walls was born in Louisville, Ky., and graduated from the Naval Academy in the class of 1966. In May 1967 he won his flight officer’s wings and was designated naval flight officer, specializing in aerial navigation. He was with Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron Two for nearly three years, and won the admiration and respect of the squadron for his outstanding service. He had accumulated nearly 2000 flight hours, making him one of the most capable and qualified navigators.

From researcher Kathy Franz:

Thomas graduated from Bardstown High School in 1962 and was pictured in every year’s yearbook since 1st Grade.

He was a member of the Bardstown Christian Church.

He was survived by his parents, Mrs. and Mrs. Reuben Lee Walls of Louisville, Kentucky, and also by his three brothers: Ted, Douglas and John.

He has two memorial markers: one in Kentucky and another in Arlington National Cemetery.

Photographs

From his high school yearbook

From his high school yearbook