JOHN J. GREEN, LTJG, USN

From USNA Virtual Memorial Hall
John Green '42

Date of birth: January 26, 1919

Date of death: September 11, 1943

Age: 24

Lucky Bag

From the 1942 Lucky Bag:

1942 Green LB.jpg

JOHN J. GREEN

Kansas City, Missouri

Jig Jig, Johnny

The Kansas City Naval Reserves sent Johnny with forehand knowledge of the Navy. His "no lend—no borrow" policy made him more of a roommate than a "wife, " but his amiable nature and easy-going manner made many friends. In an argument J.J. was always right until proved wrong, but then he would freely admit his error.

Battalion Football; Football Manager 4, 3, 2, NA; Lucky Bag; 2/c P.O.; 3 Stripes.


The Class of 1942 graduated on December 19, 1941, less than two weeks after the United States entered World War II. The class had previously been scheduled to graduate in February 1942.

1942 Green LB.jpg

JOHN J. GREEN

Kansas City, Missouri

Jig Jig, Johnny

The Kansas City Naval Reserves sent Johnny with forehand knowledge of the Navy. His "no lend—no borrow" policy made him more of a roommate than a "wife, " but his amiable nature and easy-going manner made many friends. In an argument J.J. was always right until proved wrong, but then he would freely admit his error.

Battalion Football; Football Manager 4, 3, 2, NA; Lucky Bag; 2/c P.O.; 3 Stripes.


The Class of 1942 graduated on December 19, 1941, less than two weeks after the United States entered World War II. The class had previously been scheduled to graduate in February 1942.

Loss

John was one of 202 officers and men lost when USS Rowan (DD 405) sank in less than a minute following a torpedo hit from a German E-boat in the Gulf of Salerno early on the morning of September 11, 1943.

Other Information

From researcher Kathy Franz:

John graduated in 1936 from Southwest High School in Kansas City, Missouri. He was responsible for the financial success of the Sachem yearbook. He was secretary of Student Council and treasurer of Hi-Y. His other numerous activities included membership in Quill and Scroll, cheerleader, and a minor part in “The Rivals.”

“Standing on their heads, turning somersaults, making mad dashes through the air, there go the cheerleaders! Chief Jumper-upper Johnny Green, captain of the cheerleaders, directs the battle cries of the student body. He is assisted by three other war-whoopers . . . They add to the interest and color of the games by their clever antics, wild gesticulations, and powerful voices (aided by the megaphones).”

His father George was an architect, mother Nina, sisters Helen, Mary and Nina.

His wife, Theodora "Teddy" Edson Chandler, was listed as next of kin. She was daughter of Rear Admiral Theodore Chandler '15, who was killed in early 1945.

John has a memory marker in Missouri.

Photographs


Class of 1942

John is one of 82 members of the Class of 1942 on Virtual Memorial Hall.

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