Major Donald L Thurman, Class of 1960, was a crew memeber of a B-57 aircraft which crashed 15 miles north of Edwards AFB, California on 23 June 1971. Major Thurman died on 26 June as a result of injuriesreceived in the crash.

Funeral services for Major Thurman were held at the USAF Academy on 30 June 1971. He is survived by his wife, Eileen, and five children, AlanR, Julie A, David L, Jennifer L, and Michael J. of 48 Sunset Drive, Shelby, Ohio 44875. The family has established the Major Donald L Thurman Memorial Fund at the Academy with the Association of Graduates as the fund administrator. The fund will be donated to the Mary Knoll Mission in Houston, Texas.