LT WILLIAM A. TARPLEY, USN

Class 1953

Born March 8, 1930

Died June 27, 1962

Age 32

Hometown Bowdon, Georgia

Lucky Bag Yearbook

From the 1953 Lucky Bag:

WILLIAM AUGUSTUS TARPLEY

After graduation from high school “Terp” decided to put aside academics for a while and get some experience in the world. After one year of working, Terp decided that living on someone else’s money would be more fun, so . . . Naval Academy! Here was a man the Navy could well be proud of. A gentleman and fine friend, Terp had an active interest in all sports and was always eager to “get in the game”. He never excelled academically, but by sheer will he decisively licked the subjects at the Academy. In the years to come Bill will make an even finer record for himself than he already has.

Loss

William was lost when his F8U crashed near NAS Miramar on June 27, 1962.

Other Information

He was survived by his mother and sister; he is buried in Georgia.

Navy and Marine Corps Medal

From Hall of Valor:

(Citation Needed) - SYNOPSIS: Ensign William A. Tarpley, United States Navy, was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy while serving on board U.S.S. CONE (DD-866), during operations with Task Force 77 in the Sea of Japan on the night of 10 January 1954.

General Orders: All Hands (February 1955)
Action Date: January 10, 1954
Service: Navy
Rank: Ensign
Division: U.S.S. Cone (DD-866)

William Herring ‘53 was also in 2nd Company for his 3/c year (before William H. left USNA).

Class of 1953

William is one of 62 members of the Class of 1953 on Virtual Memorial Hall.