Schimmels, Eddie Ray, AO1

This Sailor has an (IMO) In Memory Of Headstone in Oakwood Memorial Cemetery,  Oakwood, Oklahoma. 

During her 1968/69 cruise, USS CORAL SEA's airwing included Detachment 10 of Heavy Attack Squadron 10 (VAH-10). On 18 Feb 1969 a VAH-10 KA-3B (bureau number 138943) provided airborne tanker support for a night cycle and, at completion of that cycle, provided overhead tanker support for the aircraft which were recovering aboard. When all other aircraft had been recovered, the KA-3B was directed to depart her overhead orbit in preparation for a carrier-controlled approach to landing. The KA-3B tracked outbound as directed, but failed to respond when CATCC directed her to turn to her inbound leg. The KA-3B's radar return disappeared shortly thereafter.

The carrier's SAR helicopter was dispatched to the KA-3's last position but found no trace of the aircraft or its crew. Although the seach began again at first light and continued through the day, nothing was found. The subsequent accident board determined the likely cause was controlled flight into the water, probably due to pilot fatigue, and all three men aboard were declared dead. They were

LCDR Rodney M. Chapman, Alpena, MI, pilot
AMS1 Stanley M. Jerome, Detroit, MI, aircrewman
AO1 Eddie R. Schimmels, Los Angeles, CA, aircrewman