Bixel, Michael Sargent, LTJG

From - Tue Jul 14 07:11:12 1998 I was a veteran of the air war over North Viet Nam.  I noted the lack of information for Mike Bixel and thought I would pass along what I remember and you can decide if it is useful. Also in that same squadron (VA-115 on USS MIDWAY) was Mike Bixel.  Mike and I trained together at Whidbey Island before deploying.  Mike was lost during a night carrier landing accident on the USS Midway.  His pilot was Bruce Kallsen who survived the accident.  It was a horrible accident in which several men died on the carrier deck from the crash and the subsequent fire.  Bruce and Mike had landed in a sideslip which sheared off one of the main landing gear of the A-6A when it touched down on the deck. The plane continued up the axial deck to impact the planes parked on the bow.  Mike ejected just prior to hitting the parked planes.  The pure heroism of the flight deck crew in quickly putting out the fire limited damage to the ship and saved lives.  Mike was not seen after the ejection. It is uncertain if his parachute had time to open.  Most agreed that Mike had time to make a safe entry into the water.  The search for Mike and others who may have gone into the water was unsuccessful.  Mike Bixel was a fine shipmate and excellent officer who deserves to be remembered. Sometimes it seems that the absolute best amongst us didn't come home. Dave Anderson  July 1998

This Sailor has an (IMO) In Memory Of Headstone in: Barrancas National Cemetery, Florida (VA).