Chester Nenney
 1st Lt. Chester A. Nenney, Jr.
Chester A. Nenney died peacefully at home on May 30, 2009 with his wife and daughter nearby. To the end he shared humor and showed concern for others. He was born in Monroe, LA, Oct. 22, 1917, to Chester Arthur Nenney and Emma Owen Nenney. He was preceded in death by his sister Polly Nenney Breed. . He is survived by Willine, his lifelong sweetheart and wife of 65 years; daughter Susan and son-in-law Louis B. Parks; nephews Larkin Breed, Owen Breed and wife Lynn and Mike Breed and wife Ellen. We love him. . He attended L.S.U. before returning to work in Monroe. He held the first draft number (#158) drawn in 1940 and joined the National Guard, transferring to the Army Air Corps in 1941. He was commissioned a second lieutenant in June, 1942. In the 301st Bomber Group of the 8th Air Force, he arrived in England in 1942 and made his first flight in a B-17. Flying from England and North Africa, he completed 51 missions as copilot and pilot in "Behind the Eight Ball", and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters. . He was a flight instructor in Sebring FL for the duration of his service ending in 1945. He married his sweetheart Willine Boxley, Mar. 25, 1944. With a BA in mechanical engineering from Louisiana Tech, he began a successful and lifelong career as a petroleum engineer. . Chester made many friendships that lasted his lifetime. Growing up in Monroe, he and Willine kept their close knit hometown pals. These friends survived the Great Depression and did their share in World War II, both profoundly influencing their outlook on life. With modest expectations, they found success and enjoyment all their lives. They laughed a lot. . Chester was a quiet, dignified man with a big spirit, clear principles and a twinkle in his eye. He loved a good joke, a vodka martini and chocolate malts. He drew great pleasure from the company of family and friends. He was a lifelong Presbyterian and fulfilled a variety of church roles in congregations in Houston, Lafayette and Liberal, KS. . When he was away from his family and friends, he always sent the same message: "Tell 'em all hello." . His last years were greatly enriched by the loving care of Gretel Vassel, LaShonda Edwards and most especially Ernestine Dickerson. A memorial service will be held at Bayou Manor, 4141 S. Braeswood, Friday June 5, 11:00 AM followed by a reception. Memorial contributions may be made in his name to St. Luke's Presbyterian Church, 8915 Timberside Dr. Houston 77025; Houston Hospice, 1902 Holcombe, Houston 77030; the Nature Conservancy of Texas, P.O. Box 1440 San Antonio 78729 or the charity of your choice.
1st Lt. Chester A Nenney Jr was assigned to the 301st BG 419th Squadron.
Military Occupational Specialty (MOS): Pilot.
The following information on Chester Nenney is gathered and extracted from military records. We have many documents and copies of documents, including military award documents. It is from these documents that we have found this information on 1st Lt. Nenney. These serviceman's records are nowhere near complete and we are always looking for more material. If you can help add to Chester Nenney's military record please contact us.
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Rank |
General Order |
Date |
Notes |
Award |
Ribbon & Device |
Chester Nenney |
2nd Lt. |
21 NWAAF |
04/05/1943 |
|
DFC |
|
Chester Nenney |
1st Lt. |
NWAAF |
05/24/1943 |
|
AM/OLC |
 
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Chester Nenney |
1st Lt. |
NWAAF |
05/24/1943 |
|
AM/2OLC |
|
Chester Nenney |
1st Lt. |
NWAAF |
05/24/1943 |
|
AM/4OLC |
|
Chester Nenney |
1st Lt. |
WAAF |
05/24/1943 |
|
AM/3OLC |
|
Chester Nenney |
1st Lt. |
WAAF |
05/24/1943 |
|
AM |
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4/6/1943 Chester was listed on a roster of personnel assigned to the 301st Bombardment Group on this date, 6 April 1943, when they were awarded a Presidential Unit Citation (PUC). 11/1/1942 Came to UK with 419th Unit 4/5/1943 Flying tail position in formation, drove off 15 Enemy Aircraft DFC 5/24/1943 AM, AM/OLC, AM/2OLC, AM/3OLC, AM/4OLC 4/6/1943 Chester was listed on a roster of personnel assigned to the 301st Bombardment Group on this date, 6 April 1943, when they were awarded a Distinguished Unit Citation (DUC). DUC
Please contact us if you can assist with any biographical data, pictures or other information regarding the service and life of Chester Nenney.
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