|
| Warren
Webster, III |
| NO.
18012 •
|
| Killed
in Action, February 21, 1953 in Korea. Aged 25
Years. |
The news of Warren Webster's death came as a shock to
all who knew him as a cheerful friend and a superior
soldier and officer. Just prior to the time of his death
on 21 February 1953 he was Aide-de-Camp to Brigadier
General Dewey at IX Corps and could have remained in
this position of comparative safety except for his
intense desire to lead troops on the line as he had done
before receiving the position as aide. Early in February
1953 his wish was granted and he assumed command of a
rifle company in the 3d Division. Shortly, thereafter,
he was killed by a sniper's bullet while leading his
company on patrol.
Throughout the six years that I knew Web he was
always happy and easy going. If there was a piano nearby
he was ready with a song. And, if times were hard and
others were unhappy, Web was always ready with a joke.
What he lacked in the classroom he made up for with
common sense. It is no secret that he held the Academic
Department in complete contempt, preferring to spend his
time talking and dreaming of the time he would marry his
high school sweetheart, Joan Gidley.
I shall never forget, nor will many others, the
wonderful parties Joan and Web had during weekends in
Philadelphia. Web would be at his best with all the Ivy
League songs, while everybody else would try to sing
louder than he.
There was never a thing Web could not or would not
do for anybody. His generosity and friendliness were
open to all. I have never heard a person who knew him
say that he was not among his best of friends.
Just as he played hard so did he work hard. Upon
graduation he went to Parachute School and served with
the 82d Airborne Division for a year before departing
for Korea. While in Korea he received the Silver Star
for gallantry while leading a patrol, and the Bronze
Star for meritorious service. His sense of duty
was as keen as his sense of humor.
Web realized his dream - shortly after
graduation when he married Joan at a beautiful ceremony
in Philadelphia. After he went overseas she went back to
her home in Drexel Park, Pennsylvania, where their son,
Warren Webster IV, was born.
Little Web had a wonderful father who has
fulfilled his duty to his country and family.
- Charles R. Smith
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