NASSAU, Bahamas, May 31, 2021 –On Memorial Day, the U.S. Embassy Nassau posted the following on its Facebook page with a collage of photos:
“Today, the Embassy community took a moment during the Memorial Day Holiday to to honor the ten officers of Patrol Squadron Twenty-Three of the United States Navy, who perished just off the Clifton Pier shoreline on May 7, 1954.
The ten officers were aboard an aircraft on the way to join an exercise with ships from the Atlantic Fleet, meant to improve the fleet’s defense against enemy submarines. Roughly five minutes after receiving clearance for take-off, the aircraft was not heard from again. The wreckage was found over three and a half miles from the west end of runway 27, at Windsor field.
Among the first on the scene of the crash site was the late Mr. Alexander Maillis, a local businessman. Mr. Maillis’ son, Pericles Maillis, honored us with his presence during today’s commemoration, and shared his thoughts on the enduring bond of friendship between the United States and the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.
Chargé d’Affaires Usha Pitts and Senior Defense Official Commander Kevin Self reflected on the sacrifices of the ten young men and paid their respects. After sharing a few words and a reading of Shiloh: A Requiem, by Herman Melville, Chargé Pitts laid a wreath atop the memorial to the ten officers, erected in September, 1954 near Clifton Pier. After a moment of silence, two non-uniformed U.S. Marines carefully placed the wreath into the surf at the foot of the memorial.
Please join us in remembering the sacrifice of these ten officers, and of all those who have given their lives in the service of their country.
The crew members of MA-5 included:
-LTJG William H. Martin
– ENS Lee R. Osburn
– ENS John C. Tinney
– Chief John W. Holle
– PO3 Geraald P. LePard
– PO1 Fred “M” Sparks
– Airman Joseph A. Kiliszewski
– Airman Thomas R. Caylor
– PO2 Albert J. Olsen
– PO3 Franz E. Nelson
