Security Policeman Roy Lee Hursey, United States Air Force Security Forces, U.S. Government

Security Policeman Roy Lee Hursey

United States Air Force Security Forces, U.S. Government

End of Watch Wednesday, February 27, 1963

Roy Lee Hursey

Policeman Roy Hursey was killed when he was struck by debris from an airplane which exploded during takeoff at Eielson AFB, Alaska. Eight Air Force personnel on the plane were also killed in the accident. Policeman Hursey was at his post at the main gate's guard house when the incident occurred. The guard house, which was destroyed, was rebuilt in the summer of 1963 and named Hursey Gate.

Policeman Hursey was assigned to the 501st Air Police Squadron, Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, and had been with the United States Air Force Security Forces for one year.

Bio

Age Not available
Tour 1 year
Badge Not available
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Aircraft accident
Location Alaska

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Most Recent Reflection

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I was coming back from Fairbanks on February 27th 1963. I spoke with Roy briefly at the gate and told him I was heading home at midnight. When the explosion happened I was coming through North Pole which is about 13 miles from Eielson. I didn't find out Airman Hursey got killed till I got home. He lived in Star NC which is the geographical center of North Carolina. I lived in Biscoe NC which is 3 miles south. We honored him at the Star Fiddlers Convention at East Montgomery High Scool in March 2013. The 50th year since this tragedy. I will always remember his last words to me at the gate. TELL EVERYONE AT HOME HI AND I'LL SEE THEM SOON. Little did I know his life would be over in a hour.

Airman Frank Abernathy
Home Friend

April 3, 2016