Biography gleaned from www.westpointaog.org
Graduate United States Military Academy Class of 1940
lt. Colonel William Parham Kevan, Jr.
WW2 medals; Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Air Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters and the Unit Presidential Citation
William Parham Kevan, Jr., was born in Petersburg, Virginia, August 30, 1917. He was the son of a direct descendant of several old and distinguished Virginia families. His grandfather, Austin Hastings Brown graduated from West Point in 1885, and served with distinction in the Philippines with the 4th U.S. Infantry during the Spanish-American War and held the position of Professor of Drawing at West Point. His great grandfather, Walter Kevan fought with the Confederate Army in the Civil War.
William P. Kevan "Bill" educated in the Petersburg grade school, and graduated from Petersburg High School in 1935. He was a member of the St. Paul's Episcopal Church of Petersburg. From early boyhood he was an avid student of history. The great Civil War battlefields near Petersburg and the James River held great interest for him. The ghosts of his ancestors who fought in Virginia's battles must have led him toward a military career.
He joined the Petersburg Gray Militia in 1932. In 1935 he received a state cadetship to Virginia Military Institute, and he attended that famous institution for one year. He received an appointment to West Point in the Spring of 1936. Bill graduated from the Academy June 11, 1940. He sensed the important role that the Air Corps would play in the impending war, Bill chose to enter flight training. His first love had been the Infantry, but he soon became as ardent an exponent of air power as had ever flown a plane.
A month after graduation Bill wed Eleanor Randolph Brower of Purcellville, Virginia. They were married on July 24, 1940 at Purcellville. Eleanor joined him at Primary Flying School at Tuscaloosa, Alabama that August.
Basic and advanced flying schools followed until Bill pinned on his wings at Maxwell Field, Alabama in March, 1941. His first tour of duty was as a tactical officer at Gunter Field, Montgomery, Alabama. Next he helped to organize the Air Replacement Center at Maxwell Field.
Promotion to First Lieutenant had come in October, 1941. In January, 1942 he was sent to Tyndall Field, Florida, and had a major part in building up the school of flexible gunnery. Promoted to Captain in March 1942 in April he was sent to organize and command the Flexible Gunnery School at Apalachicola, Florida. Great numbers of pilots and crew members graduated from his schools. Promotion to Major came in August, 1942; the jump to Lieutenant Colonel in November 1943. Both were much deserved, and with them came praise and gratitude from his superiors.
Finally in October, 1944 Bill received his overseas orders.
He was assigned as Deputy Group Commander of the 98th Bomb Group (H) in the Mediterranean Theater, with base at Lecce, Italy. Employing B-24 bombers his group had the mission of bombing the supply lines, bases, and factories of the German Army in Northern Italy, Austria and the Balkans.
Throughout the last winter and spring of the war, Lieutenant Colonel Kevan led his group on many dangerous and vital bombing missions. Lt. Colonel Kevan returned to the States in April. 1945, where after a month's rest with his family, he joined the 376th Bomb Group (VH) at Grand Island, Nebraska. This unit was in training with B-29's for combat in the Pacific. Before their training was completed the war with Japan ended, and the Group was broken up.
On October 12, 1945 Bill received orders from the War Department to report to Yugoslavia for duty as Military Air Attache to that country. So again, he said goodbye to family and friends. Leaving Washington, D.C. November 20th, he arrived in Paris, France the next day. He then proceeded by train to Frankfurt, Germany where a C-45 plane had been assigned for his use as Air Attache. Eleanor received her last mletter from Bill postmarked Frankfurt, November 25th. Winter weather had settled upon Central Europe, delaying his trip. By November 27th, with another officer and two crew members he continue his journey taking off from Frankfurt Airport headed for Belgrade.
The exact circumstances for Bills loss is unknown. The weather had worsened and possibly ice formed on the wings, perhaps instrument or engine failure occurred. On November 27th near Ansbach, Germany four American soldiers observed an Army plane flying low, obviously in trouble. Then it went out of control and crashed. All aboard were killed.
Besides his parents, Lieutenant Colonel Kevan was survived by his wife, Eleanor and by two daughters. For his country Bill risked his life in battle and sacrificed it in her service. In the Halls of Judgment his name will be forever engraved with that unending list of patriots that America bows to with deepest sorrow and humble gratitude.
Graduate United States Military Academy Class of 1940
lt. Colonel William Parham Kevan, Jr.
WW2 medals; Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Air Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters and the Unit Presidential Citation
William Parham Kevan, Jr., was born in Petersburg, Virginia, August 30, 1917. He was the son of a direct descendant of several old and distinguished Virginia families. His grandfather, Austin Hastings Brown graduated from West Point in 1885, and served with distinction in the Philippines with the 4th U.S. Infantry during the Spanish-American War and held the position of Professor of Drawing at West Point. His great grandfather, Walter Kevan fought with the Confederate Army in the Civil War.
William P. Kevan "Bill" educated in the Petersburg grade school, and graduated from Petersburg High School in 1935. He was a member of the St. Paul's Episcopal Church of Petersburg. From early boyhood he was an avid student of history. The great Civil War battlefields near Petersburg and the James River held great interest for him. The ghosts of his ancestors who fought in Virginia's battles must have led him toward a military career.
He joined the Petersburg Gray Militia in 1932. In 1935 he received a state cadetship to Virginia Military Institute, and he attended that famous institution for one year. He received an appointment to West Point in the Spring of 1936. Bill graduated from the Academy June 11, 1940. He sensed the important role that the Air Corps would play in the impending war, Bill chose to enter flight training. His first love had been the Infantry, but he soon became as ardent an exponent of air power as had ever flown a plane.
A month after graduation Bill wed Eleanor Randolph Brower of Purcellville, Virginia. They were married on July 24, 1940 at Purcellville. Eleanor joined him at Primary Flying School at Tuscaloosa, Alabama that August.
Basic and advanced flying schools followed until Bill pinned on his wings at Maxwell Field, Alabama in March, 1941. His first tour of duty was as a tactical officer at Gunter Field, Montgomery, Alabama. Next he helped to organize the Air Replacement Center at Maxwell Field.
Promotion to First Lieutenant had come in October, 1941. In January, 1942 he was sent to Tyndall Field, Florida, and had a major part in building up the school of flexible gunnery. Promoted to Captain in March 1942 in April he was sent to organize and command the Flexible Gunnery School at Apalachicola, Florida. Great numbers of pilots and crew members graduated from his schools. Promotion to Major came in August, 1942; the jump to Lieutenant Colonel in November 1943. Both were much deserved, and with them came praise and gratitude from his superiors.
Finally in October, 1944 Bill received his overseas orders.
He was assigned as Deputy Group Commander of the 98th Bomb Group (H) in the Mediterranean Theater, with base at Lecce, Italy. Employing B-24 bombers his group had the mission of bombing the supply lines, bases, and factories of the German Army in Northern Italy, Austria and the Balkans.
Throughout the last winter and spring of the war, Lieutenant Colonel Kevan led his group on many dangerous and vital bombing missions. Lt. Colonel Kevan returned to the States in April. 1945, where after a month's rest with his family, he joined the 376th Bomb Group (VH) at Grand Island, Nebraska. This unit was in training with B-29's for combat in the Pacific. Before their training was completed the war with Japan ended, and the Group was broken up.
On October 12, 1945 Bill received orders from the War Department to report to Yugoslavia for duty as Military Air Attache to that country. So again, he said goodbye to family and friends. Leaving Washington, D.C. November 20th, he arrived in Paris, France the next day. He then proceeded by train to Frankfurt, Germany where a C-45 plane had been assigned for his use as Air Attache. Eleanor received her last mletter from Bill postmarked Frankfurt, November 25th. Winter weather had settled upon Central Europe, delaying his trip. By November 27th, with another officer and two crew members he continue his journey taking off from Frankfurt Airport headed for Belgrade.
The exact circumstances for Bills loss is unknown. The weather had worsened and possibly ice formed on the wings, perhaps instrument or engine failure occurred. On November 27th near Ansbach, Germany four American soldiers observed an Army plane flying low, obviously in trouble. Then it went out of control and crashed. All aboard were killed.
Besides his parents, Lieutenant Colonel Kevan was survived by his wife, Eleanor and by two daughters. For his country Bill risked his life in battle and sacrificed it in her service. In the Halls of Judgment his name will be forever engraved with that unending list of patriots that America bows to with deepest sorrow and humble gratitude.
Biography gleaned from www.westpointaog.org
Graduate United States Military Academy Class of 1940
lt. Colonel William Parham Kevan, Jr.
WW2 medals; Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Air Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters and the Unit Presidential Citation
William Parham Kevan, Jr., was born in Petersburg, Virginia, August 30, 1917. He was the son of a direct descendant of several old and distinguished Virginia families. His grandfather, Austin Hastings Brown graduated from West Point in 1885, and served with distinction in the Philippines with the 4th U.S. Infantry during the Spanish-American War and held the position of Professor of Drawing at West Point. His great grandfather, Walter Kevan fought with the Confederate Army in the Civil War.
William P. Kevan "Bill" educated in the Petersburg grade school, and graduated from Petersburg High School in 1935. He was a member of the St. Paul's Episcopal Church of Petersburg. From early boyhood he was an avid student of history. The great Civil War battlefields near Petersburg and the James River held great interest for him. The ghosts of his ancestors who fought in Virginia's battles must have led him toward a military career.
He joined the Petersburg Gray Militia in 1932. In 1935 he received a state cadetship to Virginia Military Institute, and he attended that famous institution for one year. He received an appointment to West Point in the Spring of 1936. Bill graduated from the Academy June 11, 1940. He sensed the important role that the Air Corps would play in the impending war, Bill chose to enter flight training. His first love had been the Infantry, but he soon became as ardent an exponent of air power as had ever flown a plane.
A month after graduation Bill wed Eleanor Randolph Brower of Purcellville, Virginia. They were married on July 24, 1940 at Purcellville. Eleanor joined him at Primary Flying School at Tuscaloosa, Alabama that August.
Basic and advanced flying schools followed until Bill pinned on his wings at Maxwell Field, Alabama in March, 1941. His first tour of duty was as a tactical officer at Gunter Field, Montgomery, Alabama. Next he helped to organize the Air Replacement Center at Maxwell Field.
Promotion to First Lieutenant had come in October, 1941. In January, 1942 he was sent to Tyndall Field, Florida, and had a major part in building up the school of flexible gunnery. Promoted to Captain in March 1942 in April he was sent to organize and command the Flexible Gunnery School at Apalachicola, Florida. Great numbers of pilots and crew members graduated from his schools. Promotion to Major came in August, 1942; the jump to Lieutenant Colonel in November 1943. Both were much deserved, and with them came praise and gratitude from his superiors.
Finally in October, 1944 Bill received his overseas orders.
He was assigned as Deputy Group Commander of the 98th Bomb Group (H) in the Mediterranean Theater, with base at Lecce, Italy. Employing B-24 bombers his group had the mission of bombing the supply lines, bases, and factories of the German Army in Northern Italy, Austria and the Balkans.
Throughout the last winter and spring of the war, Lieutenant Colonel Kevan led his group on many dangerous and vital bombing missions. Lt. Colonel Kevan returned to the States in April. 1945, where after a month's rest with his family, he joined the 376th Bomb Group (VH) at Grand Island, Nebraska. This unit was in training with B-29's for combat in the Pacific. Before their training was completed the war with Japan ended, and the Group was broken up.
On October 12, 1945 Bill received orders from the War Department to report to Yugoslavia for duty as Military Air Attache to that country. So again, he said goodbye to family and friends. Leaving Washington, D.C. November 20th, he arrived in Paris, France the next day. He then proceeded by train to Frankfurt, Germany where a C-45 plane had been assigned for his use as Air Attache. Eleanor received her last mletter from Bill postmarked Frankfurt, November 25th. Winter weather had settled upon Central Europe, delaying his trip. By November 27th, with another officer and two crew members he continue his journey taking off from Frankfurt Airport headed for Belgrade.
The exact circumstances for Bills loss is unknown. The weather had worsened and possibly ice formed on the wings, perhaps instrument or engine failure occurred. On November 27th near Ansbach, Germany four American soldiers observed an Army plane flying low, obviously in trouble. Then it went out of control and crashed. All aboard were killed.
Besides his parents, Lieutenant Colonel Kevan was survived by his wife, Eleanor and by two daughters. For his country Bill risked his life in battle and sacrificed it in her service. In the Halls of Judgment his name will be forever engraved with that unending list of patriots that America bows to with deepest sorrow and humble gratitude.
Graduate United States Military Academy Class of 1940
lt. Colonel William Parham Kevan, Jr.
WW2 medals; Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Air Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters and the Unit Presidential Citation
William Parham Kevan, Jr., was born in Petersburg, Virginia, August 30, 1917. He was the son of a direct descendant of several old and distinguished Virginia families. His grandfather, Austin Hastings Brown graduated from West Point in 1885, and served with distinction in the Philippines with the 4th U.S. Infantry during the Spanish-American War and held the position of Professor of Drawing at West Point. His great grandfather, Walter Kevan fought with the Confederate Army in the Civil War.
William P. Kevan "Bill" educated in the Petersburg grade school, and graduated from Petersburg High School in 1935. He was a member of the St. Paul's Episcopal Church of Petersburg. From early boyhood he was an avid student of history. The great Civil War battlefields near Petersburg and the James River held great interest for him. The ghosts of his ancestors who fought in Virginia's battles must have led him toward a military career.
He joined the Petersburg Gray Militia in 1932. In 1935 he received a state cadetship to Virginia Military Institute, and he attended that famous institution for one year. He received an appointment to West Point in the Spring of 1936. Bill graduated from the Academy June 11, 1940. He sensed the important role that the Air Corps would play in the impending war, Bill chose to enter flight training. His first love had been the Infantry, but he soon became as ardent an exponent of air power as had ever flown a plane.
A month after graduation Bill wed Eleanor Randolph Brower of Purcellville, Virginia. They were married on July 24, 1940 at Purcellville. Eleanor joined him at Primary Flying School at Tuscaloosa, Alabama that August.
Basic and advanced flying schools followed until Bill pinned on his wings at Maxwell Field, Alabama in March, 1941. His first tour of duty was as a tactical officer at Gunter Field, Montgomery, Alabama. Next he helped to organize the Air Replacement Center at Maxwell Field.
Promotion to First Lieutenant had come in October, 1941. In January, 1942 he was sent to Tyndall Field, Florida, and had a major part in building up the school of flexible gunnery. Promoted to Captain in March 1942 in April he was sent to organize and command the Flexible Gunnery School at Apalachicola, Florida. Great numbers of pilots and crew members graduated from his schools. Promotion to Major came in August, 1942; the jump to Lieutenant Colonel in November 1943. Both were much deserved, and with them came praise and gratitude from his superiors.
Finally in October, 1944 Bill received his overseas orders.
He was assigned as Deputy Group Commander of the 98th Bomb Group (H) in the Mediterranean Theater, with base at Lecce, Italy. Employing B-24 bombers his group had the mission of bombing the supply lines, bases, and factories of the German Army in Northern Italy, Austria and the Balkans.
Throughout the last winter and spring of the war, Lieutenant Colonel Kevan led his group on many dangerous and vital bombing missions. Lt. Colonel Kevan returned to the States in April. 1945, where after a month's rest with his family, he joined the 376th Bomb Group (VH) at Grand Island, Nebraska. This unit was in training with B-29's for combat in the Pacific. Before their training was completed the war with Japan ended, and the Group was broken up.
On October 12, 1945 Bill received orders from the War Department to report to Yugoslavia for duty as Military Air Attache to that country. So again, he said goodbye to family and friends. Leaving Washington, D.C. November 20th, he arrived in Paris, France the next day. He then proceeded by train to Frankfurt, Germany where a C-45 plane had been assigned for his use as Air Attache. Eleanor received her last mletter from Bill postmarked Frankfurt, November 25th. Winter weather had settled upon Central Europe, delaying his trip. By November 27th, with another officer and two crew members he continue his journey taking off from Frankfurt Airport headed for Belgrade.
The exact circumstances for Bills loss is unknown. The weather had worsened and possibly ice formed on the wings, perhaps instrument or engine failure occurred. On November 27th near Ansbach, Germany four American soldiers observed an Army plane flying low, obviously in trouble. Then it went out of control and crashed. All aboard were killed.
Besides his parents, Lieutenant Colonel Kevan was survived by his wife, Eleanor and by two daughters. For his country Bill risked his life in battle and sacrificed it in her service. In the Halls of Judgment his name will be forever engraved with that unending list of patriots that America bows to with deepest sorrow and humble gratitude.
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