Capt. David Jerome McCracken USN Ret

It´s hard to believe 10 years have gone by since Captain McCracken´s passing. Rest in peace.

I learned so much from Captain McCracken as a young junior officer. Serving as his Executive Officer at Naval Reserve Center I always smile when I think about the three years working alongside him. I very much regret that I never followed up on contacting Captain McCracken after I returned to San Diego after retirement. I will never forget him.

Flew with the captain on the USS King 1967 Det 5

I am so saddened to just learn of Capt McCracken's passing. I was a young junior officer @ Naval Reserve Center San Diego, serving with Captain McCracken as his Executive Officer. He taught me so much about leadership and taking care of those who serve with you. I'll always recall his greeting to Sailors with a "young Christian" to follow. His farewell gift to me (a briefcase) as I transferred on to be a "staffie" as he said, served me well for many years. Farewell and following seas,...

We are so sorry to hear of David's passing. We sent a card but it was returned. We just wanted to let David's family know that we were thinking of them. With sympathy, The Chula Vista Genealogical society

My condolences to the McCracken family. I served aboard the USS Tripoli in 1976 and at the time LCdr McCracken was our Air Department C.O. I always thought he was a good and fair officer and after reading the 2 shared memories by Mr. Lloyd and Mr. Frugoni I've learnt that he was also a good and brave man, ready to risk his life to save others.

I'm house sitting my daughter's house and probably won't get to Miramar, but please accept my heart felt condolences. I'll remember Dandy Dave, as I called him. fondly.

In 1972 as a Navy A-7 pilot flying attack missions in North Vietnam, I was shot down 150 miles north of the DMZ, with very little chance for rescue. Rear Admiral J.S. Christiansen, Commander Carrier Division 7, had decided it was too dangerous for a rescue attempt. However, Captain McCracken told him his men could pull off such a dangerous rescue mission and only then did the admiral reconsider. Captain McCracken not only made the rescue happen, he flew one of the 3 helicopters throughout...