LTJG DAVID A. MCCOSKRIE, USN

Class 1947

Born February 13, 1925

Died February 13, 1951

Age 26

Hometown Corvallis, Oregon

Lucky Bag Yearbook

From the 1947 Lucky Bag:

David Allen McCoskrie

Quiet and persistent with a mind of his own Mac was always quick in action and violent in reaction The more irons he had in the fire the happier he was At any time one could find him in at least three, usually about six, extra-curricular activities. Although noted for his ability on the dinghy sailing team, his greatest claim to fame comes from his beautiful baritone solos in the choir. His first love was the model railroad club, which he himself founded. Mac’s instinctive interest in all that surrounded him made his stay at Bancroft an active one.

The Class of 1947 was graduated in June 1946 due to World War II. The entirety of 2nd class (junior) year was removed from the curriculum.

Loss

From Find A Grave:

USNA Class of 1947, Lieutenant Junior Grade McCoskrie was the pilot of a F4U-5N Corsair night fighter with Composite Squadron 3, aboard the carrier USS VALLEY FORGE (CV-45). On February 13, 1951, while on a night combat heckler mission near Yontae-ri, Korea, contact was lost and he was listed as Missing in Action. He was presumed dead on April 16, 1954.

Awarded: Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Presidential Unit Citation and the Republic of Korea War Service Medal.

Other Information

From researcher Kathy Franz:

David graduated from Corvallis High School in 1942. Visual Aid Dept. 2, 3, 4; Thalian 3, 4; Glee Club 2; Rifle Club 2; Boys’ Club 2, 3, 4. As a member of the Thalians, he played in “Footloose,” “House of Seven Gables,” and “The Night of January 16th.” Senior Prophecy: David has given up his navy career and settled down. He is proprietor of the rowboat rental at Colorado Lake.

David attended Oregon State College for one year. He was a member of the Federated Churches and participated in meeting discussions and Christmas pageants.

In May 1948, David transferred to the Naval Air corps in Pensacola for training.

Photographs

Charles Larzalere ‘47 and Roy Anderson ‘47 were also in 5th Company.

Class of 1947

David is one of 29 members of the Class of 1947 on Virtual Memorial Hall.