Lucky Bag Yearbook

From the 1960 Lucky Bag:

MYREL LEROY MAXSON

Three years lapsed between the time Max graduated from Butte High and the time he finally matriculated at USNAY. This time was taken up by a year at Montana, a year in the fleet, and a year at NAPS. The rack took up much of his time but Max always managed to log in his share of hours on the blue trampoline. His ready wit and pleasant personality gained him many friends and will continue to do so as he makes his career in the Marine Corps.

Loss

Myrel was lost on May 7, 1963 when the helicopter he was aboard crashed into Manila Bay.

Other Information

From USNA ‘60 Memorial Site¹:

It is with deep regret that we announce the death of our dear friend and classmate "Bud" Maxson. Bud was killed in a helicopter accident off USS Yorktown (CV 10) in Manila Harbor on 8 May 1963. We delayed in making the announcement because the rumors had to be confirmed. We first heard the rumors in August - and we hoped against hope that they be nothing more. Unfortunately, they were correct. Yet, the news produced a shock that shook our very foundations, for Bud was one of our finest classmates, a great athlete, a great competitor, whose ready wit and pleasant personality brightened many a gloomy moment. We hated to see him go and we join his family and friends in grieving his fateful loss — the only consolation lies in the fact that he died with honor, in the service of our country, for freedom, for his friends. Shipmate, December 1963

From USNA ‘60 Memorial Site²:

Immediately after graduation, Bud started his brief Naval career as a company officer for Plebe summer. He also married Sharon Stanchfield of Wise River, Montana. At the end of the summer he joined the rest of the junior birdmen in Pensacola. He received his wings in late ‘61 as a helicopter pilot and went to the RAG (HS-10) at Ream Field in Imperial Beach, CA. He then joined HS-4 also at Ream Field. In early 1963, he went on his first WestPac cruise. In May, he was killed in a helicopter crash with his plane commander and two photographers in Manila Bay. The cause of the crash was not determined.

During the time he was stationed in Pensacola he and Sharon had a baby girl, Marl, and Sharon delivered another girl, Stacy, in August two months after Bud’s death. Sharon subsequently remarried a fine man whom Bud would have approved of and settled In Missoula, Montana.

From researcher Kathy Franz:

In May 1959, Myrel scored 20.5 points in a city track and field championship. His team from Washington beat Webster and St. Patrick by less than 8 points.

Myrel who went by “Bud” graduated from Butte High School in 1953. He played football, participated in track, and was a member of the “B” Club.

After a year at Montana State, he was an electronics technician in the Navy.

Myrel is buried in Montana.

Photographs

From the Lucky Bag. 1st Regimental Staff Fall Set

From his 1952 high school yearbook. "Always making key blocks and tackles, Bud should make the race for halfback interesting next year."

From his 1952 high school yearbook

References