George Francis Talken

Lieutenant Commander
ATTACK SQUADRON 37, USS KITTY HAWK
United States Navy
04 December 1938 - 02 August 1969
Chico, California
Panel 20W Line 089

USS KITTY HAWK

VA-37
Naval Aviator

Purple Heart, Air Medal, National Defense, Vietnam Service, Vietnam Campaign

The database page for George Francis Talken

01 Apr 2008

LCDR Talken was my Division Officer in VA-37. I was an AQF2 in the Aviaiton Fire Control Shop. He was a very kind man and a good pilot. His death affect my thoughts on war and why a good man and father had to die. I know he died as a hero to me and I really was moved when parts of his plane were recovered, but I believe his body never was.

This is my brief, but humble tribute to him. Someday I will rub his name when I get to the "real" Wall.

When he passed I remember recalling him showing his son his plane in the hanger at Cecil Field in Jacksonville, Florida on a Sunday when I had plane watch. This brought home to me that we not only lost a great Division Officer, but his family lost him as well. Should his family ever get to read this I am proud to have served with such a great man! God Bless him and his family!

From a VA-37 shipmate,
Dennis Richnasky
26393 Sweetbriar Drive, North Olmsted, Ohio 44070
drichnasky@aol.com

30 Apr 2008

I was only 4 years old when my father's plane crashed. I would love to hear from anyone who knew him. Thank you to all the service men and women who have served, and still serve, to protect this country. Bless you.

From his daughter,
Michelle Talken Squyars
squyars@cox.net

A Note from The Virtual Wall

LCDR Talken was making a night recovery in A-7A BuNo 153185 when radar contact with his aircraft was lost about 17 miles astern the carrier. Although aircraft debris was recovered there was no sign that Talken had ejected before water impact. This was KITTY HAWK's last loss in her 1969 cruise.




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With all respect
Jim Schueckler, former CW2, US Army
Ken Davis, Commander, United States Navy (Ret)
Memorial first published on 01 Apr 2008
Last updated 08/10/2009