CHESTER O. PENNEY, JR., 1LT, USMCR
Chester Penney, Jr. '46
Lucky Bag
From the 1946 Lucky Bag:
Chester Osgood Penney, Jr.
Long Beach, California
Hailing from the land of sunshine. "Centavo" brought from his native state of California to the sun-forsaken shores of the Severn a sense of humor and an artistic eye for feminine pulchritude that will remain forever in the memories of his classmates. Only success and happiness can result from his diligent perseverance, academically, socially, and professionally. Fleet and nation will be well served when he gets his dolphins and joins the submarine forces in action.
The Class of 1946 was graduated in June 1945 due to World War II. The entirety of 2nd class (junior) year was removed from the curriculum.
Chester Osgood Penney, Jr.
Long Beach, California
Hailing from the land of sunshine. "Centavo" brought from his native state of California to the sun-forsaken shores of the Severn a sense of humor and an artistic eye for feminine pulchritude that will remain forever in the memories of his classmates. Only success and happiness can result from his diligent perseverance, academically, socially, and professionally. Fleet and nation will be well served when he gets his dolphins and joins the submarine forces in action.
The Class of 1946 was graduated in June 1945 due to World War II. The entirety of 2nd class (junior) year was removed from the curriculum.
Loss
From Find A Grave:
1st Lt Penney was Killed in Action during the Korean War. Penney, Annapolis Class of 1946, was assigned to Company B, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division. He was killed while fighting enemy forces. Penney's body was not recovered. His name is inscribed on the Courts of the Missing.
Other Information
From researcher Kathy Franz:
Chester graduated in 1942 from David Starr Jordan High School. S. C. Rep. 1s; Scholarship 4s, Pres. 1s, Treas. 1s; Hi Y 2s, Pres. 1s; Science Club 2s; Tennis 1s; Lettermen’s Club 1s; L. B. Hi Y Council, Pres. 1s.
He was appointed to the Naval Academy by Representative Ward Johnson. Chester received his qualifying training at the Rutherford Preparatory School in Long Beach. After graduating from the Naval Academy, he had six months further training at Quantico, Virginia.
He was survived by his his wife, Florence; daughters, Kathy L & Linda L; his parents, Mr & Mrs Chester O Penney. (It appears his body actually was recovered and is buried in California.)
Photographs
From Hall of Valor:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant Chester Osgood Penney, Jr. (MCSN: 0-44929), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Leader of an Infantry Platoon of Company C, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea from 2 to 11 November 1950. With his company pinned down by intense automatic weapons and small-arms fire emanating from a well-entrenched hostile strongpoint on commanding ground to the direct front of his position on 11 November, First Lieutenant Penney voluntarily risked his life to reconnoiter the approaches to the ridgeline. Continually exposing himself to shattering hostile machine-gun and small-arms fire as he advanced, he determined the key features and disposition of the enemy before returning to his own lines to prepare for attack. Spearheading the assault, he led his platoon directly into the heart of the position under blistering fire, plunging into the emplacement and personally killing at least seven of the enemy during the furious encounter. Coordinating and leading his platoon with superb skill until he was fatally struck down by a bursting hostile grenade, First Lieutenant Penney, by his aggressive leadership, valiant fighting spirit and grim determination, was directly instrumental in neutralizing the enemy force and in enabling his company to continue its advance. His fortitude and unrelenting devotion to duty throughout this period of intensive combat action served as a constant inspiration to all who observed him and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
General Orders: Authority: Board of Awards: Serial 1203 (December 4, 1951)
Action Date: November 2 - 11, 1950
Service: Marine Corps
Rank: First Lieutenant
Company: Company C
Battalion: 1st Battalion
Regiment: 7th Marines
Division: 1st Marine Division (Rein.)
Related Articles
Wayne Swanson '46 and William Whalen, Jr. '46 were also members of 1st Company.
The "category" links below lead to lists of related Honorees; use them to explore further the service and sacrifice of alumni in Memorial Hall.
