Walter Webster '11
Date of birth: July 28, 1888
Date of death: March 16, 1943
Age: 54
Lucky Bag
From the 1911 Lucky Bag:
Walter Wynne Webster
Fargo, North Dakota
"Ducky" "Dan" "Noah"
THE original hard-headed savoir of the Class. Has held down a number near the top ever since he left the wheat fields of North Dakota. Endowed with a remarkable memory, he can tell you the R. A. of any star in the celestial system for any date in the year. Recites in an injured tone of voice when called upon, as if complaining at the mere necessity. Is easily amused and giggles continually at the antics of Beak and Woody. Slow and methodical in his movements, but once get him going and you can't stop him. Started fussing Second Class year, but finds more relaxation and amusement in poring over his famous interpolating chart of the celestial system. Lived with Squirrel Kingman in true Scandinavian felicity until First Class year. Ducky has spent many a midnight hour with chaps less savvy than he; doesn't grease and couldn't if he tried.
"Sir, I don't just exactly see where they get this."
Expert Bar; Star (3, 2); Chairman Bible Study Class.
Walter Wynne Webster was born in Fargo, North Dakota, July 28, 1888, and resided there up to his appointment to the Naval Academy. Three years and a half were spent in Fargo High School, during the last year of which he was the Editor in Chief of the High School publication.
Loss
Walter was lost on March 16, 1943 when the "two engine Navy bomber" he was aboard crashed near Newtown Square, Pennsylvania. The pilot of the plane, the only other person aboard, was also lost.
He was manager of the naval aircraft factory at the Philadelphia Navy Yard at the time, and was en route to Washington, D.C.
Walter earned his wings as naval aviator #4053 on September 11, 1934; he is listed as a "CDR (CC)." Unclear what the "CC" indicates.
He was a graduate of the Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration.
He was survived by his wife, who is buried next to him in Arlington National Cemetery.
Namesakes
USS Webster (ARV 2) was named for Walter; the ship was sponsored by his widow.
Webster Field at Priest Point, Maryland, was named for him on June 1, 1943.
Memorial Hall Error
Walter is not listed with his classmates. He was identified through the diligent efforts of Leslie Poche, a volunteer who combed through SHIPMATE issues to find operational losses not accounted for in Memorial Hall.
Class of 1911
Walter is one of 15 members of the Class of 1911 in Memorial Hall.
