John L. Chapin

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.

Early and personal life John Letcher Chapin was born on March 15, 1913, in El Paso, Texas. He attended grade school and high school in the El Paso Independent School District and Ysleta ISD, graduating from Ysleta High School. Chapin earned his degree in chemical engineering at Texas A&M University in 1936.

At the age of nine years, Chapin met Velma Perkins, whom he married on April 21, 1937. They had a son named Paul on December 27, 1938. and planned to attend medical school prior to joining the military.

Military career A Texas Army National Guard unit approached Chapin about becoming their chemical warfare officer with his degree, believed leaving his company could bring a non-Spanish-speaking captain who would mistreat the soldiers.

Company E was stationed at various locations across the United States, while Chapin's family eventually chose to settle in California. which occurred on the Gari River. His body was found in a foxhole and he was posthumously awarded a Silver Star for his courage and devotion. Only 27 of the 145 present soldiers of Company E survived the battle. and his gravestone displays the letters "KIA" to symbolize that he was killed in action defending the United States. which Wilmer Valderrama and WM Entertainment have acquired film and television rights to, and The Men of Company E.