Hike Fishkill Ridge to 1945 Crash Site

Leader: John Ragusa
Friday, November 11, 2022

The day was cloudy with the threat of rain. There were 5 hikers including the leader. We met in the parking lot of the Fishkill Ridge trailhead.

The leader gave a brief bio on Commodore Dixie Kiefer, the “Indestructible Man” and the crash site that took his life along with 5 other Navy servicemen. We then hiked up the ridge, which was steep, but not too long until we saw the flags waving ahead that indicated the crash site. We read the plaque that bared the names of the servicemen who lost their lives on November 11, 1945. The leader also placed small American flags around the base of a nearby tree that also had a newspaper article of the crash during that time. We then observed the wreckage nearby then gathered at the plaque for a photo (attached). We then made our way down the ridge to the parking area just in time before the rain began. 

Total hike was about 2 ½ miles. Total time was 2 hours.  All had a very enjoyable and interesting hike.

Hikers included Pete C., Terry H., Marsha K., Ann C. and the leader, John Ragusa.