John L. Chapin | |
|---|---|
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| Born | March 15, 1913 El Paso, Texas, U.S. |
| Died | January 22, 1944 (aged 30) Gari River, Italy |
| Buried | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch | United States Army |
| Rank | Captain |
| Commands | Company E, 141st Infantry Regiment, 36th Division |
| Battles / wars |
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| Awards | |
| Alma mater | Texas A&M University |
John Letcher Chapin (March 15, 1913 – January 22, 1944) was an American soldier who served as a captain in the United States Army during World War II. He was born and raised in El Paso, Texas. He earned a degree in chemical engineering from Texas A&M University, worked at the El Paso Post Office, and was soon recruited by a Texas Army National Guard unit.
Chapin became the commander of a company during World War II and declined multiple promotions to remain with his men. He was injured in the Battle of San Pietro Infine but refused to return home, dying in the Battle of Rapido River while trying to break through the Winter Line in Italy on January 22, 1944. He is buried in Italy and memorialized in Captain John L. Chapin High School in El Paso.