A U.S. Naval Academy class ring is a special symbol that only a select few in the country will ever be privileged to wear. David Lorenzo, a veteran Marine Corps fighter pilot and graduate of the Class of 1964, wore his ring through numerous combat missions during the Vietnam War. Even when his F-8 Crusader was hit by enemy fire over Laos in January 1968, forcing him to eject, Lorenzo had his Naval Academy ring on. After returning to the United States, he lost his prized ring while golfing with his father in Pennsylvania about six years after graduation. Despite surviving combat missions, the ring couldn’t withstand the unpredictable game of golf.
Recently, Michael Zenert, a Pennsylvania man, found Lorenzo’s lost ring on the same golf course where Lorenzo misplaced it 54 years ago. Zenert discovered the ring near the fourth green at Uniontown Country Club near Pittsburgh, in a clay splotch exposed by recent rains. Intrigued by the shiny object he initially mistook for a beer can tab, Zenert dug it out and realized it was a U.S. Naval Academy ring from the Class of 1964, with Lorenzo’s name engraved on it. Zenert cleaned up the ring and decided to return it to its rightful owner.
Zenert personally delivered the ring to Lorenzo at the National Naval Aviation Museum at Naval Air Station Pensacola, where Lorenzo is a volunteer and narrator for the Tuesday Blue Angels practices. Despite receiving a new identical ring from his wife years after losing the original, Lorenzo was emotional upon reuniting with his lost ring. While his new ring fits perfectly, the original one was a bit tight due to the physical changes Lorenzo experienced over the years, including a significant weight and waist size difference.
Zenert tracked down Lorenzo through the internet after listening to a podcast where Lorenzo shared his military experiences. He deemed it necessary to personally deliver the ring rather than sending it in the mail. Zenert and his wife made the trip to Pensacola, where he presented Lorenzo with the ring in front of an F-8 Crusader, similar to the one Lorenzo flew during combat. After sharing sentimental moments in the cockpit of the jet, the two couples, Museum officials, and volunteers reflected on Lorenzo’s impressive military career and unique personality.
Lorenzo, who later went on to work for Delta Airlines after his military service, has been described as an incredible and knowledgeable individual by his longtime friend, Debbie Naylor. Naylor praised Lorenzo for his talents and accomplishments, referring to him as “Mr. Google” due to his vast knowledge. The heartwarming reunion between Lorenzo and his lost Naval Academy ring serves as a reminder of the sacrifices and experiences of those who have served in the military, particularly during wartime. The enduring significance of a class ring, especially one from the prestigious U.S. Naval Academy, highlights the unique bonds created by shared experiences and memories among service members.
