Valor in a Picture: Lt. Walter L. Chewning
F6F Hellcat pilot Ensign Byron Johnson crashed his plane on the carrier USS Enterprise due to a mechanical failure. It caught on fire on the deck. Fearing exploding bullets and the rupture fuel tank, most of the crew held back, while Johnson struggled to get out. Chewning, seeing the stuck pilot raced in to help, climbing up the side of the burning aircraft and pulled Johnson to safety. Ensign Byron Johnson survived the encounter and went on to down 8 enemy aircraft making him an ace. When asked about the incident Lt. Chewning said he didnt think much of his actions at the time, as it was a regular occurrence on the flight deck and others had done the same. Our grandfathers were not fearful men, but humble and brave.
Chewning was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for heroic conduct. Valor is in you. Set it free.
