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 was in a collision with the destroyer USS Frank E. Evans . The impact cut the Evans in Two, with the bow section sinking almost immediately . Seventy four American seamen were lost, including three brothers from Niobrara , Nebraska: Gary, Gregory , and Kelly Sage.
The brothers 22,21,and 19 years of age respectively, were sons of Ernest and Eunice Sage life members of post 224 American legion . They had been stationed together aboard the Evans at their own request. This tragedy was perhaps the greatest single loss suffered by any Nebraska family
of many who have contributed their sons to the service of their nation.
At memorial services in Niobrara on June 11 1969, the Governor of Nebraska eulogized the brothers saying that Every generation of Americans has answered the call to the colors... So it was with the Sage Brothers were serving in the finest tradition of the American fighting man , in the truest sense They gave up their lives so that we might continue to enjoy the fruit of freedom.
SAGE BROTHERS NIOBRARA
