Walter Carl Wann, Jr.

Infobox Military Person
name = Walter Carl Wann, Jr.
born = 13 May 1921
died = 4 November 1942
placeofbirth = Goldendale, Washington
placeofdeath =


caption =
nickname =
allegiance = United States of America
serviceyears = 1939–1942
rank = Pharmacist's Mate, 2nd class
branch = United States Navy
unit = with U.S. Marines
battles = Guadalcanal campaign Battle of Tulagi and Gavutu-Tanambogo
awards = Silver Star

Walter Carl Wann, Jr. was born at Goldendale, Washington, on 13 May 1921.

Navy career

"Wann" enlisted in the Navy at Portland, Oregon, on 14 December 1939 and eventually received the rating of Pharmacist's Mate, 2nd class (PhM2/c).

Awarded the Silver Star

While on duty with marines engaged in the attack on Gavutu and Tanambogo, "Pharmacist's Mate Wann" received the Silver Star medal for conspicuous gallantry and "intrepidity during action" on the night of 7 August 1942. Japanese machine guns, raking the causeway between Gavutu and Tanambogo Islands, pinned down the marines with heavy fire. "Wann" volunteered to cross the area to render aid and return casualties to the aid station. Ignoring the enemy fire and with complete disregard of his own life, he sprinted back and forth, carrying and rendering aid to wounded marines.

Killed in action

He remained attached to Marine units in the Guadalcanal campaign until killed in action on 4 November 1942.

Namesake

USS Walter C. Wann (DE-412) was named in his honor. She was laid down on 6 December 1943 at Houston, Texas, by the Brown Shipbuilding Co.; launched on 19 January 1944; sponsored by Mrs. Walter C. Wann, Sr.; and commissioned on 2 May 1944, Lt. Comdr. John W. Stedman, Jr., USNR, in command.

ee also

References

:DANFS
* [http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/w2/walter_c_wann.htm Walter Carl Wann, Jr.]