HAROLD F. HICKS, JR., CDR, USN
Harold Hicks, Jr. '52
Lucky Bag
From the 1952 Lucky Bag:
Harold J. Hicks, Jr.
Long Beach, California
Harry entered the Academy after establishing brilliant academic records in high school, college, and Naval ET School. Although his relentless mind hindered his sleep, it produced 4.0's and gave momentum in the Chess Club and debating teams while his legs maintained that same momentum in his year around track efforts. He also enjoyed working with the electronics club and Trident, adding smiles and life to his activities. Harry's many and varied interests narrowed when it came to women; his hashmark OAO claimed all his attention and his miniature. Harry is bound for success in the Fleet.
He was also a member of the 2nd Regimental staff (3rd set), 13th Company staff (2nd set), the Wardroom Panel, and a recipient of an “E Award.”
Harold J. Hicks, Jr.
Long Beach, California
Harry entered the Academy after establishing brilliant academic records in high school, college, and Naval ET School. Although his relentless mind hindered his sleep, it produced 4.0's and gave momentum in the Chess Club and debating teams while his legs maintained that same momentum in his year around track efforts. He also enjoyed working with the electronics club and Trident, adding smiles and life to his activities. Harry's many and varied interests narrowed when it came to women; his hashmark OAO claimed all his attention and his miniature. Harry is bound for success in the Fleet.
He was also a member of the 2nd Regimental staff (3rd set), 13th Company staff (2nd set), the Wardroom Panel, and a recipient of an “E Award.”
Loss
Harry was lost when his A-6A Intruder crashed shortly after taking off from USS Independence (CVA 62) on August 16, 1966. His bombardier/navigator was also lost.
Other Information
From the January 1967 issue of Shipmate:
Cdr. Harold F. Hicks, USN, died on 16 Aug. in an aircraft accident off USS INDEPENDENCE in the Western Mediterranean. A naval aviator, he was serving as executive officer of Attack Squadron 75 at the time of the night catapult launch accident.
Cdr. Hicks was born in New York City, and served in the U. S. Navy in the China Station before his appointment to the Naval Academy; he was graduated with the class of 1952. He served in USS SICILY in Korean waters; completed flight training at Pensacola in 1954, followed by advanced training at Corpus Christi, Tex. He was personnel officer in USS Oriskany, then served as operations officer in VF-94, and as an aviator in USS Hornet and USS Yorktown.
He returned to the Naval Academy in 1958 for a three-year assignment as an instructor in the English, History and Government department, during which time he was a graduate student at Georgetown University, where he received a Master's degree. He also studied at Oxford University in England. He was communications officer in USS Independence during the Cuban crisis, and on the staff Commander Carrier Division Six, followed by duty as operations officer in VA-66, and as an aviator in USS America. He joined VA-75 last July.
Among his awards were the China Service, Philippine Liberation, Natal Defense (1 star), Korean Service (1 star), Cuban Expeditionary Medals, and the Korean Presidential Unit Citation. He was a member of the American Historical Association.
He is survived by his widow Christina, and four children, Harold F., Mary C., Sheila A. and Brian E. Hicks; and his mother.
From researcher Kathy Franz:
Harold registered with the Selective Service in Long Beach, California, in 1942. He listed his aunt Miss Anna V. Murphy of New York City as someone who would always know where he was.
Harold was a member of Boy Scout Troop 37 in Phoenix and graduated from St. Mary's High School in 1945.
He enlisted in the Navy and was aboard USS Atlanta as an electronics technician, second class. He was flown from Shanghai to California in April to take the entrance exams to the Naval Academy.
On graduation day from the Academy in June 1952, he married Christina Frances Kennedy of Long Island.
That year, his brother Martin Joseph was selected for Marine Corps officer training. He was a junior at the University of Denver playing first string tackle. Previously he attended Loyola University.
Harold's father was a radio serviceman in the Bronx in the 1930s. In Arizona, he was a fireman for the power and light company. In 1945, he was an electronic inspector on Terminal Island, California. He died in Los Angeles on June 25, 1966. Harold's mother was Mary Catherine.
Besides Martin, Harold had four other brothers: William Roland (later Rev. Bruno, O. F. M. Philippine Islands), Vincent Raymond, Gerald Robert (a Marine Corps captain), and Lawrence. Their sisters were Mary Immaculate (Mrs. Mary Rooney) and Ann.
His body was not recovered; unable to find a memory marker. Harold's Find A Grave page is here.
Photographs
From the March 1967 issue of Shipmate.
From the Daily News on June 7, 1952
Related Articles
Robert Allison ’52 was also a member of the Wardroom Panel.
Michael Moushey ’52 was also a member of the 2nd Regimental staff and on the 13th Company staff.
Michael Zibilich ’52 was also in the chess club.
The "category" links below lead to lists of related Honorees; use them to explore further the service and sacrifice of alumni in Memorial Hall.
