Rex Cooper

Scott Pattee was one of my good friends beginning at least in the sixth grade and continuing on through high school.  Scott was a very level-headed, down-to-earth type of guy.  I do, however, recall him once losing his cool.  On the first day of a Spanish class, the teacher told the class members that we were each to call out “aquí” (Spanish for “here”) after he read our particular name from the class roll.  When he came to Scott, the teacher pronounced his last name as “Patti.”  Scott shoot back rather indigently, “Patteé.” The teacher then retorted rather condescendingly, “No, aquí.”  (I suppose that this is one of those jokes that is better spoken then written, but I really got a kick out of it at the time.)

I remember shortly before graduation from high school, Scott very excitedly telling me that he had been accepted at the Naval Academy.  I was a bit envious, and I thought about what a great opportunity this would be for him.  I was shocked and saddened a few years latter when I learned that he had been killed while on combat duty off the coast of Viet Nam. 

Years later I spent some time trying to find his name on the Viet Nam war memorial in Washington, D.C.  I was surprised that it didn’t seem to be there.  It wasn’t until I read the information regarding his death that that appears on our class reunion website that I realized that Scott hadn’t died as a result of enemy action and therefore technically is not a casualty of the Viet Nam War.  The manner in which he and seventy-three others U.S. sailors lost their lives, however, was one of the real tragedies of the Viet Nam War. 

I will always regard Scott as a hero, and I am proud to have known him. 

Rex Eugene Cooper

Richard J. (Dick) Clark

Rex ,

I knew him but not well and so sorry for your loss of  friend.

Lost a few myself and does not matter, hurts for the riest of our lives.

You had better not have guts to face this stuff.

DC
 

Barbara Miller (Schneider)

Dear Neighbor Scott--------------You were always a calm, polite, and happy guy. I remember when your mom told us about the tradition at Annapolis's graduation that you needed pictures of girls to put inside your cap.  We (Ann and I) were honored to do that for you.  Thanks for the great Lincoln Lane memories!!!    Barb

Terry Wilkins

I didn't know Scott, but I was on the carrier Kitty Hawk which was a part of those SEATO war games that day.  When we got back to Subic Bay, Phillipines some guys from the aft portion of the Evans were in the EM Club (Navy tavern) when I got there.  I got drunk for the first time in my life.  I think everyone was in shock.  I still remember that feeling when reminded of that bad day.

Richard J. (Dick) Clark

Well,

I had a brother who made two raids into N. Viet Nam waters in that war.  He was a member of fire control and only fired on combat targets, and they got the hell shot out of them.

Scott was special, my brother, stink pot in a way.  Enlisted.

But, those men gave all.

Perhaps this or that, but all.  No matter what, can never take away.

DC

Richard J. (Dick) Clark

I do not who you are, you commit to family, coutry, life

You then become a hero for me, come what may.

Some survive the worst, and some nicked and die, but each decided before, go.

Scott said, come what may, I am in and knew it could cost dearly.  It did, but he decided, and the worst, but there is nothing in the military without risk  and knew that.  So terrible, a friendly takes him out.  What are the odds?

I can tell you, if a fight, use all mental and all physical to make it work to go home again.

DC

Clark Johnston

Scott and I were friends in junior and senior high school. Scott was one of the most intelligent people I have ever met and also one the nicest. We learned how to roller skate at Bear Lake in the summer and to bowl in the winter at Bonnwood Bowling Alley. Our ward volley ball team won the all church tornament. He was so excited about being accepted into the Naval Academy where he exceeded academically. He was gungho to serve his country and did so proudly. Grand times with a good soul.

Ronald B. Scott ('63)

I didn't know Scott Pattee well.  I do remember his death however because I was writing for the Trib when his ship went down.  Thank all of you for your insights.  I now know him better.  I took the time to read many of the stories available on line about the tragedy and its acrimonious aftermath, the activity of the ship in the Vietnam War, and the efforts of various veterans groups to get the dead from the USS Frank E. Evans included on the  Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C.  Adding Scott and the others to the Wall is a cause I will support.  I noted that three brothers from Nebraska were among the dead that awful night. Even now, I ache for their parents.

Marlin Barrow

Scott Pattee, one of my best friends from 6th grade on and my locker mate all three years at Olympus.  I spent many nights at his home as he tried to get me to understand math concepts while helping me get my homework completed.  I had the good fortune to spend his last night in LA with his brother Brad and several of his shipmates before they departed the next morning for their fateful tour on the USS Evans.  He will always be a true friend and remains fresh in memory even today which sadly isn't ture for most other things.  Speaking of memory, man I need to spend more time here.  A lot of names long forgotten do bring back some of those old memories.