 |
MEMORIAL ARTICLE
Published Assembly Oct '56
Earl Francis Poytress No. 15295 Class
of 1946 Died October 13, 1953, At March Air Force Base,
California, aged 30 years. |
In chaotic times there are few men who can maintain
a true sense of balance and see all aspects of life in their
true proportions. Such a man was Earl Francis Poytress.
The many facets of his life became apparent at an early age.
He graduated from junior and senior high schools in San Jose,
California with highest honors. Aside from these honors and membership
in honorary scholarship organizations, and American Legion Certificate
award in Citizenship attested to the fact that he put his talents
to work. His excellent physique he put to useful service as a
swimming instructor in the San Jose Schools Recreation Department.
For Earl, the mental and physical achievements were not enough.
He also warmed people's hearts with music as a member of orchestras
and instrumental trios. This part of his life reached an apex
when he gave his own piano concert while still in high school.
At San Jose State College, he again achieved personal honors.
Among them were memberships in Phi Upsilon Pi, Gamma Pi Epsilon,
and Tau Delta Phi. He graduated With Great Distinction,
and with honors in chemistry and mathematics. Here he also served
his fellow students through participation in varied school activities
and serving as president of his Junior Class.
From the account of his early life it can be readily seen
that few men have entered West Point with better qualifications
for a life of service to our country. Here was a life where achievement
was readily honored. However, it is the measure of the man that
the chance for personal glorification did not alter his marvelous
sense of balance. His diverse participation in Academy life,
his devotion to duty as a cadet officer, and his willing assistance
to others as academic coach and friend best attest to his personality.
Two traits which were to shape Earl's life began to be apparent
while he attended West Point. One was his philosophical humor
which made the most trying experience seem trivial, and the other
was his obsessive love for flying. In the Strategic Air Command,
after graduation from the USMA these qualities made him a dedicated
officer in the USAF and an excellent Airplane Commander.
As his career progressed, his good record in SAC, as well
as his outstanding grades at service schools, foretold a brilliant
future. This prophecy was somewhat dimmed, however, in 1947.
At that time he contracted a supposedly incurable glandular disease
while on maneuvers in Utah. During the ensuing six months at
Brooks General Hospital he was offered a physical retirement.
He turned it down to fight on. Fortunately the disease came under
control and he was returned to active duty and to flying duty,
He became a part of America's first line of defense again, when
he graduated from B-47 training and was assigned to March AF
Base. California.
Here in his native state, living with his family (wife, Barbara,
whom he married in 1946, and daughter, Suzy, born in 1948) he
was close to his parents (Dr. and Mrs. W. H. Poytress) for the
first time of his career. During this time of personal happiness,
he helped weld our strategic air arm into the greatest offensive
threat and deterrent to war that the world has ever known.
On October 13, 1953, the mortal body of Earl Francis Poytress
drew his last breath. A B-47 in which he rode (in the observer's
position at the time) crashed into a hillside near Riverside,
California.
Though his life was short, by some standards, it was full
of experience and living. His love lives on in the hearts of
his family. His spirit lives on in the heritage he left to his
newborn son (Earl) and to his comrades: a task well-begun, a
dedicated example to follow.
|