Three Sage Brothers Were Lost in One Naval Collision

Gary, Gregory and Kelly Sage chose to serve together aboard USS Frank E. Evans. On June 3, 1969, the destroyer collided with the Australian aircraft carrier HMAS Melbourne during an exercise in the South China Sea. All three brothers were among the 74 American sailors who died.

The Navy’s historical account records the loss to their family in Nebraska. Their shared posting, which had kept the brothers together, became the reason one household faced three deaths from the same disaster.

Their story also became part of a long campaign over remembrance. Because the collision occurred outside the designated Vietnam combat zone, the sailors were not included on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall. Lawmakers renewed efforts to change that in 2025, keeping the families’ request for recognition in public view.

Sources: U.S. Navy history of USS Frank E. Evans U.S. Senate: Renewed effort to honor 74 sailors History Nebraska: The Sage Brothers