War on Terror

RADM Wilson F. Flagg ‘61, USN, Class of 1961

Rear Admiral Wilson F. Flagg (1938-2001), Class of 1961 and his wife, Darlene E. Flagg (1938-2001) were on American Airlines Flight 77 when it crashed into the Pentagon on September 11, 2001. RADM Flagg served on active duty from 1961 to 1967, including three tours as a fighter pilot. He logged the most hours of any pilot on F-8 Crusader supersonic jets.RADM Flagg’s decorations included the Distinguished Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal, and the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat V. He retired from the Navy in 1995 and worked at American Airlines until he retired in 1998. RADM Flag and his wife are laid to rest in Section 9, Plot 1834. 

CDR William H. Donovan, USN, Class of 1986

Commander William H. Donovan Jr. (1964-2001) was a graduate of the Class of 1986. After commissioning, he served in Patrol Squadrons 11, 31, and 1, as well as serving aboard the George Washington. Commander Donovan had been on the Chief of Naval Operations staff for a little over a year on 11 September. He was in the Pentagon when Flight 77 crashed and was among those presumed dead and missing. Commander Donovan was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart Medal. His place of rest is in the Columbarium 12-5-A.

LT Kenneth M. McBrayer, USN, Class of 1974

After graduating with the Class of 1974, LT Kenneth M. McBrayer (1952-2001) spent five years in the Navy as an engineer on several ships, including the aircraft carrier SARATOGA. After serving, Kenny lived in Manhattan, NY and worked for and Partners Sandler O’Neil while his wife resided in DC to attend law school at George Washington University. He was at work on the 104th floor of Two World Trade Center when the plane hit the morning of September 11th. His niche in the Columbarium is 12-4-I

LCDR Erik Kristensen, USN, Class of 1995

Lieutenant Commander Erik Kristensen graduated with the Class of 1995, as an English member and member of the Heavyweight Crew Team. He was commissioned as an ensign and served in the engineering and combat systems departments of USS Chandler in Everett, Washington. He later attended the Graduate Institute as St. John’s College while teaching English at the Naval Academy. He eventually left both to pursue a career as a Navy SEAL. He was the oldest in his class when he reported to Basic Underwater Demolition/Sea, air, Land training. After graduating in 2001, Kristensen completed Parachute Training and SEAL Qualification Training. His first assignment was SEAL Team EIGHT as a platoon commander. In 2005 he was killed in action during Operation Red Wings. He is interred in Section 1; Plot 8. As a tribute to his inspiration and sacrifice Midshipmen can often be seen doing push-ups at the foot of his grave leaving the turf worn.  

CAPT Matthew C.H. Freeman, USMC, Class of 2002

CAPT Matthew C.H. Freeman, USMC, commissioned with the Class of 2002 with a degree in aerospace engineering. He received third generation naval aviator wings, passed down from his grandfather, RADM DeWitt L. Freeman, USN (Ret.), and his father, CDR Gary M. Freeman ‘76, USN (Ret.). CAPT Freeman was stationed in Okinawa, Japan with VMGR-152 where he flew the KC-130J aircraft. He later volunteered for an individual augment position with Fourth Marines Embedded Training Team, which deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. It was while serving this unit that he was killed in action. He was posthumously presented with the Bronze Star Medal with Combat V for heroic service in connection with combat operations against the enemy as a Fire Support Team Leader and Company Advisor for the Afghan National Army. He is interred in Section 6; Plot 1297.