Tests
completed and radio secured, the small Piper Cub carrying
Lieutenant (j.g.) Gordon D. Scott and piloted
by Knute H. Largh, flying under contract, was returning to camp
from a check flight. When their plane was reported an hour overdue,
a searching party was sent out and found the wreckage with both
occupants dead. The accident occurred about 4:30 on 11 June
1953 in the Stoney Creek area of McKinley Park, Alaska.
Lieutenant Scott was born 11 July 1925 at Portland, Oregon.
He was educated in the public schools of Nehalem, Oregon and
attended Oregon State College in 1942. He enlisted in the Navy
V-12 program at University of Washington in 1943, and was commissioned
an ensign in the Navy in November 1945. He served 18 months
overseas in the Pacific Theatre with the Amphibious Forces as
Communications Officer, and was separated from active duty in
February 1947. H returned to Oregon State College to continue
his studies, and received a degree in Mechanical Engineering
in 1948. He was a member of the Lamda Chi Alpha Social Fraternity.
Lieutenant Scott joined the Coast Survey as a deck officer 21
April 1948. He was commissioned an ensign 21 October 1948 and
a lieutenant (j.g.) 21 October 1951.
His service included duty aboard the ship PATHFINDER under Rear
Admirals R. F. A. Studds and R. W. Knox; duty in the Arctic
Field Party under Commanders R. A. Earle and M. G. Ricketts;
assignment to a level party under Lieutenant W. M. Hellman and
Lieutenant E. W. Richards operating in Texas, Colorado, Kansas,
and Nevada. In November 1952 he was assigned to the triangulation
party of Commander Howard S. Cole and moved with the party to
Alaska in May.
During his brief career in the Coast Survey, Lieutenant Scott
made many friends. He was interested in all phases of the work,
willing to undertake any duty, aggressive, and prompt in carrying
out his assignment. He was friendly and personable, well-liked
by both his senior officers and those working with him.
Lieutenant Scott is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John
H. Scott, living at Neahkahnie Beach, Wheeler, Oregon, and one
brother….
In:
“The Buzzard,” Vol. 21, No. 25, June 23, 1953.
