William Eaton '21
Date of birth: April 12, 1900
Date of death: August 9, 1942
Age: 42
Lucky Bag
From the 1921 Lucky Bag:
William Guy Eaton
Duluth, Minnesota
"Bill" "Lash-Brownie" "Wilyum"
"NOW when I was sailing the Great Lakes on the good ship Gopher I used to—" and then Bill will unfold a yarn which would make any old salt green with envy. Bill can tell many a good story about splicing the main brace, rounding the horns, and about his wild experiences in port.
He is one of the lucky mortals who never gets rhino and blue when things go wrong. However it does take an exception to make the rule and sometimes when that letter, pink and scented, from the Duluth girl doesn't arrive on time he does get a little dejected.
Ever since he has been in the Navy he has liked it and unlike many of us isn't adverse to telling that he likes it and intends to stay.
Like a true sailor Bill loves the women and the women seem to like Bill. Those eyes and eye lashes have raised havoc with many a girl.
Bill hasn't gone in much for athletics except of course those of the Mexican variety, and to be sure is a charter member of the old Radiator Club.
He is a great pal, always cheery and ready to help out in any way, and should make a good officer in this man's Navy.
Buzzard.
The Class of 1921 was the last of the wartime-accelerated classes. "1921A" was graduated on June 3, 1920; the second half, "1921B", was graduated on June 2, 1921. William was graduated with 1921A.
Loss
William was lost when USS Astoria (CA 34) was sunk during the Battle of Savo Island on August 9, 1942. He was the ship's navigator.
His wife was listed as next of kin; he was also survived by a son, William Jr (USNA 1945).
Memorial Hall Error
William was promoted to Commander on July 12, 1942. Memorial Hall has LCDR.
Class of 1921
William is one of 32 members of the Class of 1921 on Virtual Memorial Hall.
