Thalbert N Alford (1887 - 1928)

Born 26 Oct 1887 in Wills Point, Van Zandt, Texas, United States

Died Jul 1928 at age 40 in Newport, Newport, Rhode Island, United States

Biography

This profile is part of the Alford Name Study.

NEWPORT, R. I., July 2.—The crash of a navy seaplane from 1,000 feet into the harbor resulted in the deaths of two naval officers today. The plane, of the Corsair pursuit type, was doing a series of loops when it went into a nose dive and struck the water with terrific force. The pilot, Commander Thalbert N. Alford, was killed instantly. His companion, Lieutenant William Butler Jr., died several hours later at the Naval Hospital. Difficulty was encountered in extricating Commander Alford's body, which was strapped in the fore cockpit. The navy tug Bobolink succeeded in hauling the plane out of the water and Chief Boatswain Mate William E. Hickey of the U. S. S. Wright removed the body. Lieutenant Butler was taken to the Naval Hospital operating room, where it was found that he was suffering from multiple head injuries and possible internal injuries. He was operated on in a desperate attempt to save his life, but he died about 7 o'clock. Witnesses declared that Commander Alford had been trying several loops over the bay and had completed the fourth, but the plane failed to straighten out, and going into a nose dive crashed to the water. It buckled as it hit the waves.

Special to The New York Times. WASHINGTON, July 2.—Commander Thalbert N. Alford and Lieutenant William Butler Jr., who lost their lives at Newport, this afternoon, were among the able officers of the navy, it was said here today. Commander Alford was aide to the commander of the aircraft squadron of the scouting fleet and was attached to the aircraft tender Wright. He was born in Wills Point, Texas, Oct. 26, 1887, and was appointed to the Naval Academy in 1905. He received the Navy Cross for service in the World War. He qualified as a naval aviator in August, 1927. He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Adele T. Alford of Coronado, Cal. Lieutenant Butler was attached to the cruiser Concord. He was born in Hazelton, Pa., Oct. 2, 1896, and was appointed to the Naval Academy in 1916. He qualified as a naval aviator in December, 1926. His home was in Philadelphia. He was married, his wife now being in Newport.

July 3 edition of The New York Times

Sources

• FamilySearch Person: G671-JQV