I’ve also have a POW MIA bracket with Skips name. If the family is interested let me know I’ll send it my email is jeffzoller@comcast.net

My name is Marcia Ball Raines, and I met Skip at Clark AFB in 1965.  I was teaching there at that time, and we formed a casual friendship.  He talked about his home many times and how he loved flying.  He was a cheerful happy-go- lucky guy.  He was only at Clark   a short time before shipping out.  I heard about his being a POW and was so glad he made it home safely!!!  

I have a letter from Skip when he was on the Midway.  I would be happy to send it to one of his children or family members.  Just let me know.  So glad I got to know him.  He is definitely an American hero!!!

I lived in Colorado Springs in the 60's and 70s, and received a POW MIA bracelet with Skip's name then. Years later, when living in Washington, D.C., I found out that his name had been removed from the POW list. With no  other information, I hung on to the bracelet, and wondered over the years, how his life turned out when he returned home.

It was coincidence that a recent internet search brought me to this site, and while it was sad to read of his passing, I felt so happy to find out that he had married, raised a beautiful family, and had a full life.

Thank you so much for sharing his story. I am grateful for his service, dedication, and am honored to have been able to have kept this memory all these years.

I wish you comfort during the times you miss him the most.

Please let me know if you would like his bracelet. I would be happy to return it to the family.

My mom and I stood on 16th Ave by YVCC to welcome Skip home . He was so thin and we were so proud of him. He was so young and our forever hero. God bless you Skip and thank you.

Skip and I were roommates at NAAS Kingsville, Texas where we were in Navy Advanced Flight Training.  After receiving our wings. we next carrier qualified on the USS Coral Sea, him in the A4 and I in an F8.  In 1965, we were both attached to Air Wing 2, Skip in Attack Squadron 22 and I in Fighter Squadron 111 on board the USS Midway.  I was with Skip when he was shot down.  I mistakenly reported that he did not get out of his plane.  It was a couple of years later that I found he miraculously ejected.  I flew to Seattle and we shared a meal and renewed an old friendship.  Skip was an excellent pilot, a terrific person and a good friend.  God Speed Skip.  VIC

— with The POW bracelet I wore 24/7 honoring "Skip"

I was just watching the evening news and saw the tribute to the POW's.  It caused me to remember the bracelet that I wore with Skips name on it. I wore that bracelet 24/7 from the day my mom got it for me until he came home.  And I prayed everyday, many times a day for his release. I am so sorry that he is gone and I never took the time to find him and tell him how I had carried him with me well he was a POW.  I just knew he was a good man.   

I wore a POW bracelet in "Skips" name for many years until it became weak.  I am very sorry to hear of his passing.. It sounds like he was a great man.. I recently looked up the names on my bracelets and it brought me to this sight. May he rest in peace. Thankyou for your service "Skip"