United States Naval Academy - Lucky Bag Yearbook (Annapolis, MD)

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- „ .,,,i| N »| i, ,y i |j,gp|;jB ;jj,|B jffg;|gg;|ggg|pj JAMES EWING MENKE ALBERT JOHN MOHA JR. PORT ROBERT MARTIN Walla Walla, Washinf ion A Navy junior and ex-naval reservist. Bob had a tough time plebe year convincing the upper class that Walla Walla. Washington, really was his home and not the result of a severe stuttering condition. As the top graduate of his Walla Walla High School class. Boh brought with him the intelligence, wit, ambition, perse- verance, and amiable personality that have earned him a spot among the top men in our class and also such affectionate nicknames as Brain Wonder Stud and Super Power Brain. Bob ' s years at the Academy have been filled with the extracurricular as well as the aca- demic, including intramural football, tennis, squash, cross country, original Walla Walla paddle ball, the gun and camera clubs, and the Tecumseh Court Drags Censors Association. Experiences on the Plebe Detail and the class striper organization have made Bob a very enthus- iastic follower and, above all, a very capable and well liked leader. Bob has his sights set on post graduate work at present with one eye occasionally on submarines, and with the head start he already has by virtue of his all- Navy first name, Port, he is certain to be an outstanding success in whatever field he chooses. FULBRIGHT SCHOLAR France JAMES EWING MENKE Merced, CalijoTiiia Although Jim fondly reminisces about California, he has made himself at home here in Annapolis. His shelves, stuffed with books, both English and Spanish, pictures of his girls, and foul weather gear from the sailing squadron reveal his portable loves. Writing for the Log and Splinter he demonstrated his liberal arts inclination that helped him in both English and elective Spanish courses. Well known around the Rifle Team and Gun Club and in the Photography Club darkroom, he still managed to find restful leisure moments during his hectic days. Treating academics as a necessary evil, Menks found time to read a photography magazine or a novel, and listen to music, from classical to jazz. His many tales and anecdotes, some original, of the 64 Newport-Bermuda race livened many a dull study hour. His congenial out- look, his friendly manner, and his good nature will make him a great success in his service career. ALBERT JOHN MOTTA JR. The Bronx, New York City, New York Enthusiast in everything he did. Big Al could be seen each day strolling through Bancroft Hall accom- panied by his pets, the Aardvark and the Platypus, and talking to his mythical companion Sidney Ferguson. Coming from the Bronx in New York City, Al brought with him a sense of humor and the talent to make everyone around him laugh. Al was never far from a foottsall or boxing gloves and also proved to be an outstanding Softball pitcher. His nonchalance was constantly attacked by the Executive Department, but with verbal magnificence and a little bit of luck he escaped virtually unharmed. With a locker that often outclassed the Commissary Department in volume, variety, and flavor of food on hand, Al was never far from a snack. Yet he was more serious than outward appearances might convey and never neglected his academics or his general conduct. His good-natured attitude and personal drive will let him travel far in whichever direction he chooses. EDGAR LeROY PITMAN. Ill Plymouth, North Carolina Naval Aviation was the motivating factor that resulted in Lee ' s leaving Davidson College for Navy. After young- ster cruise, his decision to fly was definite and was strengthened after an enjoyable second class summer at Pensacola. Except for a year long battle with the plebe skinny department, Lee had little trouble in adapting to life at Navy — immediately he became an enthusiastic yawl sailor. Lee ' s interest and participation in the rifle team continued at Navy after beginning at Davidson. Next to seeing his girl as often as possible, chief among Lee ' s interests are hunting, fishing, and water skiing, which he finds ample opportunity to enjoy in his home- town on Albemarle ' Sound. A literature major. Lee dis- played drive and hard work in his other academics that left him little time for the blue trampoline. With his un- !82

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PETER MICHAEL FRIKKER RONALD KENNETH GURLEY JAMES ROBERT KAPPES PETER MICHAEL FRIKKER W ' ashington Tounship, New Jersey Coining to Navy from Washington Township, New Jersey, Pete adapted quickly to the system in all respects. He had little trouble with academics and could often be seen preparing for classes days in advance when his roommates were struggling to keep their heads above water. A versatile and able athlete. Frik displayed his talents as a center for the plebe basketball team, discus thrower on the track team, and fierce competitor in intra- mural sports. However, Pete always found time to watch the girls go by from his window above Tecumseh Court, no matter how busy he seemed to be with sports and academics. He displayed his leadership talents as COM- SUBSQUAD early in his days at the Academy, and held this position for eight consecutive semesters. Undecided at present as to what branch of the Navy he will pursue, Pete ' s dynamic personality and leadership assure him a successful career. RONALD KENNETH GURLEY Baton Rouge, Louisiana Ron hails from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, home of the LSU Tigers, and the same year that Ron came to Navy found LSU s Paul Dietzel moving to Army. At Navy, Ron soon adapted himself to the great change from civilian and high-school life and became a welcome addition to the Brigade. Involved in successive company changes, Ron found himself in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd companies, respectively, during his first three years here, but his win- ning personality, ready smile, and friendly manner never failed to win him lasting friends wherever he went. When not playing 150-pound football, the winter and spring sports seasons would find him adding his talents to the company basketball and squash teams. Although a steady competitor, Ron was never a poor loser. Ron was also a member of the French Club and Foreign Relations Club. Not easily adaptable to the fine arts of Math, Sci- ence, or Engineering, Ron overloaded every year to work toward majors in Naval Management and Political Science. Upon graduation he plans to go Naval Aviation, preferably into a Patrol Squadron of P-3 ' s. His warm and friendly personality and easy wit are sure to make him a success wherever he goes. PORT ROBERT MARTIN JAMES ROBERT KAPPES Staunton, Virginia Jim had a head start both in academics and military indoctrination as he was in the miltary at V. P. L for a year before coming to Navy. Jim ' s ability in math and science kept his average up in the running. Possessing an amiable character and a warm personality, Jim was always a friend to his classmates who came to him for help. Jim ' s athletic abilities were applied to Battalion tennis. Company football, and Company softball. Swim- ming wasn ' t one of Jim ' s favorite sports, but effort and application of his determination solved this problem. Overloads in Math were a natural part of Jim ' s academics, and participation in French Club activities consumed some of his leisure time, as did his avid fondness of music. The members of both the Second and Third Companies will admirably attest Jim ' s ability in almost any field, including the feminine set. Jim hopes to apply these abilities in the expanding Naval Aviation Officer (NAO) program of the Navy, and his personality and determina- tion will surely bring success in any endeavor. 181

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FIRST BATTALION THIRD COMPANY EDGAR LeROY PITMAN, ROBERT BOWERS PLOEGER cle paving the way. Lee is the second contribution to the Naval Service from his family, and with his characteristic drive and desire to do his best, that contribution un- doubtedly will be significant. ROBERT B0 ERS PLOEGER Darien, Georgia Rob came to the Naval Academy from the Deep South and immediately proved that he was a true Rebel. The vigors of plebe year were somewhat alleviated when the upperclass learned of Rob ' s wonderful rendition of Marching Through Georgia. in which he accompanied himself on the ukelele. Rob survived plebe year and the blow it caused to his beloved Georgia and went on to the happy and carefree days of youngster year. However, nos- talgia came to be a regular evening occurrence when Rob tuned up the uke for the nightly hootenanny. Completely forgetting the ballad of Sherman ' s historic march, members of the old first company could be found being led by Rob through the gay refrains of St. James Infirmary or The Reverend. Mr. Black. Battalion and company sports bene- fitted a great deal from Rob s membership. After spending his first year on the Plebe crew team and Fall of youngster year on the Battalion football team. Rob decided to turn to the less strenuous sports and contributed greatly to the Battalion badminton ' s Brigade championship team and to respectable records in Company basketball, volleyball, and touch football. After graduation. Rob plans a future in Navy line. Judging from his record at USNA. he ll be a fine addition to his chosen field. RUSSELL ARTHUR PUPPE Hensel. North Dakota Russ made good his silent promise to do well in his new environment when he left the Midwest to take up the challenge of higher education. Although at first visibly amazed at the modern wonders of electricity and running water, he soon learned to take them for granted, and settled down to the task at hand. His plebe year-long feud with the Foreign Language Department convinced him to forego (to say the least) the option leadmg to a language major, but it certainly didn ' t stifle any of the Pup ' s initiative. He aimed at a Naval Management RUSSELL ARTHUR PUPPE major and, as with all things he attempts, succeeded handily. And all the while, he was a frequent occupant of that slot reser ed for him on the Superintendent ' s List. During his upperclass years, Russ, as manager, ac- companied the football team on all its trips, and once he even . . . left his heart in San Francisco. When Russ left his hometown— Hensel, North Dakota— the entire population turned out to the corral to wish him well. Just the fact that he goes home for Christmas each year is sufficient proof of the continuing existence of the Wells-Fargo Stage Line. Known in some circles as the last of the good guys, Russ is one of the few who can be as at home on the bridge of a destroyer as he is behind a plow. Russ ' pleasant personality, combined with the ability to get the job done, tempered with wit and humor, and bound with loyalty and integrity insure the Navy of the type of officer it must have in the world of today and to- morrow. 183