Thomas J. Bennett ADJ 2

The following contributed by John Sees and Tom Pinkley: "I don't know for sure but I suspect the individual I will list was one of a very few non flying members of VFP-62 who was killed in the line of duty.

In May of 1964 Det 59 was out on the Forrestal for Carrier Quals prior to our Med Deployment. The Forrestal developed a problem in a pump, starboard side aft which could only be repaired in dry dock. The Air Group off loaded to the Independence to finish the Quals we had started on the Forrestal. During that time, Thomas J. Bennett ADJ 2 died May 23,1964 of a head injury on the flight deck of CVA 62. Tom was born December 1941 and was a member of VFP 62 . Perhaps you might make mention of him in your In Memoriam list."

Tom was down to about 33 days left on his enlistment - and while supportive of all the Navy had done for him, he was truly looking forward to the time he was to become a civilian again. He was one of the most "stand-up" guys we had in VFP-62 - always with a smile on his face and a good word for all he encountered. - provided by George Montgomery.

Tom stood out in my mind in a positive way. I recall Tom as a quick wit sharp person with a great sense of humor he had a “special style” to him. The type of person you liked to be around and looked up to. I did not go to sea with Tom but we served together at Cecil field between deployments. --Pete Wallace

If you can provide more details please email the VFP-62 Webmaster

Memorial Program contributed by George Montgomery