LTCOL HERBERT DOBY, USAF

Class 1957

Born August 23, 1931

Died February 4, 1967

Age 35

Hometown Oregon City, Oregon

Lucky Bag Yearbook

From the 1957 Lucky Bag:

HERBERT DOBY

Herb came to the Naval Academy from the fleet where be held the rate of Aviation Electronics Technician, Second Class. He attended the USNA prep school at Bainbridge before entering the Academy. During his stay there, Herb took up a new sport — gymnastics — and became a valuable asset to the Varsity Gym team as a rope climber. Although born in New Mexico, Herb proudly claimed Oregon as his home state. His favorite pastimes included playing the guitar and mandolin, collecting hillbilly records and working with electronics equipment. Herb’s easygoing manner and outstanding personality won him many friends at the Academy, where he left a fine record.

He was also a member of the 19th Company staff (fall).

Loss

Herb was killed in action on February 4, 1967 when the EB-66C electronic surveillance aircraft he was aboard was shot down during a strike against the Thai Nguyen Army Depot, 32 miles northwest of Thai Nguyen, Bac Thai Province, North Vietnam.

He was a member of the 41st Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, Takhli Airbase, Thailand.

Other Information

From researcher Kathy Franz:

A cousin of Herbert, Mrs. Aileen LaPage, told The Deming Highlight that the family moved to Lakeside, Oregon, in 1933. He went to high school in Toledo and was graduated in the top 10% of his class in January 1949.

In March 1951, Herbert received recruit training at the Great Lakes station and was transferred to Memphis, Tennessee, for further schooling in aviation. He scored the first 100 per cent ever made in the applicant qualification test given at the local recruiting office in Bend.

He married Charlotte Ann Wilkins in the Naval Chapel on June 8, 1957. Their children were John S. and Judith Ann.

He trained in aerial navigation and electronics in Texas and Mississippi before being stationed at Eglin Air Force Base in April 1959.

In March 1960, Herbert scored the highest rating in the 4135th Strategic Wing since the SAC unit began its required physical fitness testing program. At 5’10” and 160 pounds, he completed 100 sit-ups, 19 pull-ups and a 300-yard shuttle run in 50 seconds.

In December 1962, Herbert was with the 10th Missile Squadron, 341st Strategic Missile Wing at Malmstrom Air Force Base. He was deputy commander of the control center for ten of the Minuteman missiles.

In April 1966, Herbert graduated with a degree in the third Armed Forces Institute of Technology at Malmstrom Air Force Base.

Herbert was survived by his wife, their children, and his mother, Mrs. L. L. Nuestal, 12 Lava Road, Bend.

His remains were recovered on September 30, 1977 and identified on November 1, 1977.