The Sage Brothers

On the night of June 2, 1969, while on maneuvers in the South China Sea off the coast of Vietnam, the Australian aircraft carrier Melbourne collided with the destroyer USS Frank E. Evans, cutting the Evans in two and causing the bow section to sink almost immediately. Seventy-four American seamen were lost, including three brothers from Niobrara, Nebraska: Gary, Gregory, and Kelly Sage. Aged 22, 21, and 19, they were the sons of Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Sage and had been stationed together aboard the Evans at their own request. The tragedy was perhaps the greatest single loss suffered by any Nebraska family among those who had contributed their sons to the service of the nation. At memorial services in Niobrara on June 11, 1969, the Governor of Nebraska said the brothers had served in the finest tradition of the American fighting man and had given their lives so others might continue to enjoy the fruits of freedom.

Niobrara, Nebraska · United States