Rockland, Massachusetts – December 6, 1969

Updated April, 2021

 

     On December 6, 1969, a T-33 trainer jet took off from the South Weymouth Naval Air Station for a routine training flight.  While over  Rockland, the jet was seen to go into a tailspin and crash in a wooded area.  Both men aboard were killed instantly. They were identified as Lieutenant Colonel George G. Cusack, and Captain Alan B. Holbrook.  

     Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel George G. Cusack, 38, was the executive officer of the Marine Air Reserve Attack Squadron 322.  He was a veteran of the Korean War, the recipient of the Korean Service Medal with three stars, a Presidential Unit Citation, the National Defense Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, and the Organized Marine Corps Medal with two bronze stars.  He was survived by his wife and five children.  At the time of the crash his wife was pregnant with their sixth child who was named after his father.  

     There is also a street named for him in the town of Hampton, New Hampshire.  (Cusack Road)  http://www.hampton.lib.nh.us/hampton/history/military/in_memoriam/cusackroad.htm

     On April 27, 2021, the son of Lt. Col. Cusack contacted New England Aviation History with new information of this accident.  Because the aircraft was over a populated area, Lt. Col. Cusack and Captain Holbrook chose to stay with the aircraft rather than eject, and aimed it towards a wooded area away from homes and businesses, thereby saving many lives.   

     Marine Corps Captain Alan B. Holbrook was from Wellesly Hills, Massachusetts.  We have no further information about him at this time. 

     Sources:

     Hampton Union, Obituary for George G. Cusack, December 10, 1969

     Lane Memorial Library, Hampton, N. H. – local history