NAVAL OFFICER A SUICIDE
Lieutenant M. W. Woods Of The Brooklyn Found Dead In Virginia
WASHINGTON, March 24, 1938 – Lieutenant Melvin W. Woods, 25-year-old Naval Officer found shot to death yesterday in a Virginia woods overlooking the Potomac River, had suffered a nervious breakdown from overwork, Captain Frank W. Rockwell, his father-in-law, said today.
Captain Rockwell’s comment was the only explanation, which the police had for the death of the officer, who was home on two weeks’ sick leave from the USS Brooklyn.
Coroner C. A. Ransom of Fairfax County issued a certificate of suicide.
Commander C. T. DuBose, executive officer of the Brooklyn said yesterday that he knew ofno reason why Lieutenant Woods should commit suicide. Lieutenant Woods was the turret officer aboard the Brooklyn and had been attached to the ship since September 30.
When the Lieuenantleft on a ten days’ leave of absence last Saturday morning, he appeared in good health and spirits, Commander DuBose said.
WOODS, MELVIN
- LT US NAVY
- DATE OF DEATH: 02/23/1938
- BURIED AT: SECTION 6 SITE 9300
- ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY
Michael Robert Patterson was born in Arlington and is the son of a former officer of the US Army. So it was no wonder that sooner or later his interests drew him to American history and especially to American military history. Many of his articles can be found on renowned portals like the New York Times, Washingtonpost or Wikipedia.
Reviewed by: Michael Howard