Miguel Nava '17
On February 7, 2024 Captain Miguel Nava, USMC '17 was killed in a helicopter crash. Please consider a donation to his family to honor his service, and the incredible sacrifice of his wife and five-month-old son.

WILLIAM M. CHEWNING, LT, USN

From USNA Virtual Memorial Hall
William Chewning '42

Date of birth: October 22, 1919

Date of death: November 16, 1943

Age: 24

Lucky Bag

From the 1942 Lucky Bag:

1942 Chewning LB.jpg

WILLIAM MURRAY CHEWNING

Richmond, Virginia

Billy, Blue Goose

Football has been Bill's main interest since he came to the Academy. Next to his football comes studying and sleeping but they were always incidental. His influence has been definite and lasting and it will be a long time before we shall forget his caustic humor or sharp criticism of our drags. What of his? They were all perfect, of course. So, more power to you, Bill, and may the Marines appreciate you as much as we have.

Football 4, 3, 2, 1, N*: Boxing 4, b42t, P.P.O.


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 Chewning LB.jpg

WILLIAM MURRAY CHEWNING

Richmond, Virginia

Billy, Blue Goose

Football has been Bill's main interest since he came to the Academy. Next to his football comes studying and sleeping but they were always incidental. His influence has been definite and lasting and it will be a long time before we shall forget his caustic humor or sharp criticism of our drags. What of his? They were all perfect, of course. So, more power to you, Bill, and may the Marines appreciate you as much as we have.

Football 4, 3, 2, 1, N*: Boxing 4, b42t, P.P.O.


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

William was lost when USS Corvina (SS 226) was sunk on November 16, 1943 by a Japanese submarine.

Other Information

From researcher Kathy Franz:

William attended St. Christopher’s School, Richmond, Virginia, graduating in 1938.

He married Betsey Stickney Johnson on March 6, 1943, at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Arlington, Massachusetts. He next went to New London, Connecticut, for submarine school.

He has a memory marker in Virginia and his wife was listed as next of kin.

Photographs


Class of 1942

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

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