Walter W. Webster

Walter Wynne Webster was born in Fargo, North Dakota on July 28, 1888, to Charles Edward and Isabella M. "Bella" Thomson Webster. He resided in Fargo up to his appointment to the Naval Academy. Three years and a half were spent in Fargo High School, during the last year of which he was the Editor in Chief of the High School publication. He entered the United States Navy in Annapolis, Maryland on June 5, 1911.

Captain Webster was lost on March 16, 1943, when the two engine Navy bomber he was aboard crashed near Newtown Square, Chester, Pennsylvania. The pilot of the plane, the only other person aboard, was also lost.

He was manager of the naval aircraft factory at the Philadelphia Navy Yard at the time and was enroute to Washington, D.C. Captain Walter earned his wings as naval aviator #4053 on September 11, 1934; he is listed as a CDR (CC). Unclear what the CC indicates.

He was a graduate of the Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration. He was survived by his wife Maudes B. Webster, who is buried next to him in Arlington National Cemetery.

Captain Webster's class ring was lost for 30 years and was returned to his wife in July 1949. (Information from the September 1949 issue of Shipmate.) 

USS Webster (ARV 2) was named for Walter; the ship was sponsored by his widow.

Webster Field at Priest Point, Maryland, was named for him on June 1, 1943. Captain Webster was instrumental in the development of naval aviation.

He is buried in Section 3, Grave 1859-B, Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia.

Source: Find a Grave