CDR Clarence "Smokey" Tolbert - Troy, OK - Graves Mentioning a Cause of Death on Waymarking.com

"KIA" is a standard military term referring to "Killed in Action".

This black marble headstone is very prominent in this small country cemetery. The family name, "Tolbert", is across the top, and below it is the Grumman F-11A Tiger that he flew into Ardmore Municipal Airport in 1969. Below is:

CDR Clarence "Smokey" Tolbert
Graduate US Navel
Academy 1962
Blue Angel Solo Pilot #6 1968
Born June 4, 1939
KIA November 6, 1972

Son of Elvie E. and
Cleo P. Tolbert

Despite the misspelling of "naval" throughout, they manage to tell Smokey's story on the reverse:

SMOKEY

Johnston County Hero

3 Tours of Duty on the
USS Hancock and USS Midway

1964-1972 North Vietnam

15 Navel Commendations
Including 2 Silver Stars
and Navy Cross

KIA - Flying A-7 Corsair Off
of USS Midway
November 6, 1972

Carried MIA 16 Years Remains
Returned 1989

Smokey flew the Blue Angel
F-11 Tiger Located in
Tishomingo Military
Memorial Park

He Touched Many Lives
Leaving Friends Worldwide

This Tribute Placed Her by
E.J. and Pauline Tolbert

--

The referenced F-11A Tiger was on display for many years on the grounds of the Murray State College campus in Tishomingo, but in 2009, it was restored, relocated, and rededicated in Veterans Park on South Capitol Avenue.

Type of Death Listed: Killed by something Website (if available): [Web Link] Cause of death inscription on headstone: Not listed

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