Lucky Bag Yearbook

From the 1953 Lucky Bag:

BERNARD KENNETH JOYCE

B-E-R-N-I-E!! . . . DA!, you knew who’s being called when you hear that shriek in the sixth wing. B.K. was a good all around athlete; had a little of that serious side. A hard and conscientious worker. The Marine Corps lost an invaluable asset when Ken decided to go Navy line. Spent more than he earned and usually borrowed the rest. A cool stiff breeze stirs the wildman in him. Kept his cruise box warm by lining it with a blanket. Likes responsibility, was in charge of room all youngster year. Studies might have worried him, but they never beat him . . . he’s one of that indomitable sort who sticks to it and comes out on top.

Loss

Bernard was lost on July 3, 1956 when the AD Skyraider he was aboard crashed at Crow’s Landing, California.

Other Information

From researcher Kathy Franz:

Graduated from Jamaica High School in 1946. Member of Newman Club and Russian Club. Entered Marine Corps and served as corporal when he received a fleet appointment to the Naval Academy in 1949.

He was a ward of Mrs. Amy R. O’Brien of Queens Village, New York. In 1940 he was listed as placed with her through the New York Foundling Hospital, New York City. In 1930 he was also at the Foundling Hospital with father born in U.S., mother born in Ireland. Mrs. O’Brien was married and had raised several children as well.

While still in flight training, he’d been injured in a crash.

He was survived by his wife, Dianne, and a daughter, Alison; he is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

Bernard was a member of Attack Squadron (VA) 195, stationed at Moffett Field, California.