World War II Honoree

Robert Esley Chadwell

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Nashville, Tennessee

Honored By

Donald & Laurie Deatheridge

Relationship

Son-in-law & Daughter

Enlisted as a Seaman Recruit on January 25th, 1943 and served proudly as an Aviation Radioman 2nd Class (ARM2c) until his Honorable Discharge on March 3rd, 1946. Boot Camp was in San Diego, California; afterward he traveled to the Navel Air Technical Training Center in Memphis, Tennessee where he completed his Aviation Radioman Course and received his rank ARM2c(CA) 845 28 94 USN-I. From Memphis he entered and completed the Naval Air Gunners School Course in Hollywood, Florida. His Operations Training was in Jacksonville and Miami, Florida; Task Force and Squadron Training was in Quonset Point and Charlestown, Rhode Island and Torpedo Training in Hianus, Massachusetts. Following training he was assigned aboard the first Night Flight Carrier, USS Independence CVL-22 (Mighty 1) as part of the United States Pacific Fleet Carrier Task Force. Served as a member of the “Shademaids” CVLG(N)41 and ExVF(N)79 Night Fighter Squadrons. He was attached to Task Force 58 and 38 that was part of Task Group 38.2 and 38.5, under Task Unit 38.2.10. While on the USS Independence the “TENN REBEL” saw action in Palau and Mindanao Islands of Oceania. Additionally, he saw Fleet Action in the Philippine Island of Luzon and its Capital Manila, as well as, Fleet Action in Formosa China, Southeast Asia’s mainland region of Indochina, and the Japanese Islands of Nansei Shoto, including Okinawa. Time after time he climbed into the Turret of his TBM Avenger Torpedo Bomber; he would man his 50 Caliber Machine Gun and be catapulted from the deck of the “Mighty 1” into the dark of night, seeking out the enemy and bravely serving his country. During the period of September 20th to December 20th, 1944 “Chad” was presented the Distinguished Air Medal for Meritorious Achievement. He along with his fellow Radioman and Pilot engaged in Aerial Combat against enemy shipping and installations in the vicinity of the Philippine Islands. While maintaining the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service, in spite of enemy searchlights and heavy anti-aircraft fire, he used his skills and courage to battle the enemy, complete the mission, and return his plane safely to its carrier base. Blue Skies and Tailwinds Airman Chadwell.