Harold Joseph Backes, was born on the family farm near Glenburn December 16, 1931, to Leonard and Irene (Keller) Backes.
He grew up on the farm and attended school in Glenburn, graduating from high school in 1950. He briefly attended Minot State Teachers College before entering the United States Navy on March 13, 1952 as an aviation cadet. He completed his first solo Navy flight in November of 1952 and completed his aviation training, earning his Navy wings in December of 1953, a very proud day for Harold and his family.
He was killed December 6, 1955 when his Navy jet crashed into the Mississippi river, south of Memphis, Tennessee, while on a training flight. An eyewitness to the crash, a river barge captain, said the plane appeared to be attempting an emergency landing. After initial contact with the water, the plane skidded along the surface for approximately 100 yards and exploded, sinking immediately. Also killed in the crash was Ens. J. L. Wines of New York City, a student pilot. After extensive searching, Harold's body was never recovered.
Harold is survived by his parents; one sister, Estelle Hohman; and four brothers, Richard, Merle "Bud", Orlin and Roger.
He grew up on the farm and attended school in Glenburn, graduating from high school in 1950. He briefly attended Minot State Teachers College before entering the United States Navy on March 13, 1952 as an aviation cadet. He completed his first solo Navy flight in November of 1952 and completed his aviation training, earning his Navy wings in December of 1953, a very proud day for Harold and his family.
He was killed December 6, 1955 when his Navy jet crashed into the Mississippi river, south of Memphis, Tennessee, while on a training flight. An eyewitness to the crash, a river barge captain, said the plane appeared to be attempting an emergency landing. After initial contact with the water, the plane skidded along the surface for approximately 100 yards and exploded, sinking immediately. Also killed in the crash was Ens. J. L. Wines of New York City, a student pilot. After extensive searching, Harold's body was never recovered.
Harold is survived by his parents; one sister, Estelle Hohman; and four brothers, Richard, Merle "Bud", Orlin and Roger.
Harold Joseph Backes, was born on the family farm near Glenburn December 16, 1931, to Leonard and Irene (Keller) Backes.
He grew up on the farm and attended school in Glenburn, graduating from high school in 1950. He briefly attended Minot State Teachers College before entering the United States Navy on March 13, 1952 as an aviation cadet. He completed his first solo Navy flight in November of 1952 and completed his aviation training, earning his Navy wings in December of 1953, a very proud day for Harold and his family.
He was killed December 6, 1955 when his Navy jet crashed into the Mississippi river, south of Memphis, Tennessee, while on a training flight. An eyewitness to the crash, a river barge captain, said the plane appeared to be attempting an emergency landing. After initial contact with the water, the plane skidded along the surface for approximately 100 yards and exploded, sinking immediately. Also killed in the crash was Ens. J. L. Wines of New York City, a student pilot. After extensive searching, Harold's body was never recovered.
Harold is survived by his parents; one sister, Estelle Hohman; and four brothers, Richard, Merle "Bud", Orlin and Roger.
He grew up on the farm and attended school in Glenburn, graduating from high school in 1950. He briefly attended Minot State Teachers College before entering the United States Navy on March 13, 1952 as an aviation cadet. He completed his first solo Navy flight in November of 1952 and completed his aviation training, earning his Navy wings in December of 1953, a very proud day for Harold and his family.
He was killed December 6, 1955 when his Navy jet crashed into the Mississippi river, south of Memphis, Tennessee, while on a training flight. An eyewitness to the crash, a river barge captain, said the plane appeared to be attempting an emergency landing. After initial contact with the water, the plane skidded along the surface for approximately 100 yards and exploded, sinking immediately. Also killed in the crash was Ens. J. L. Wines of New York City, a student pilot. After extensive searching, Harold's body was never recovered.
Harold is survived by his parents; one sister, Estelle Hohman; and four brothers, Richard, Merle "Bud", Orlin and Roger.
