Lucky Bag Yearbook

From the 1942 Lucky Bag:

WILLIAM HANNA MENDENHALL

Mendy, Bill

Battalion Cross Country; Battalion Lacrosse; Stars 4, 3; Boat Club 4, 3, 2, 1; 2/c P.O.; 5 Stripes.

Mendy’s ability to fall in love for a week-end has made him the drag’s delight for the past four years. He can hardly be called dumb, having consistently starred without effort. An organizer at heart with some good suggestions and some otherwise, he is an asset to every gathering. Restless when unoccupied, he possesses the qualities that make for success.

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The Class of 1942 graduated on December 19, 1941, less than two weeks after the United States entered World War II. The class had previously been scheduled to graduate in February 1942.

Loss

William was lost when USS Lagarto (SS 371) was sunk by a Japanese surface ship on May 4, 1945 in the Gulf of Siam. He was the executive officer.

Other Information

From researcher Kathy Franz:

William was born in Sioux City, Iowa. He attended Oak Park high school in Chicago, and Cochran Bryant Preparatory school. On graduating from the Naval Academy, he was the highest ranking midshipman officer and received the sword award to the outstanding student.

William married Jayne Nash on December 5, 1942, at the St. Andrews chapel of the United States Naval Academy.

He was survived by his wife and six-months-old daughter Nancy Jane. His parents, Edward and Mabel, lived in Chevy Chase, Maryland.

His wife, Mary Jayne Mendenhall, was listed as next of kin. She had a long and distinguished life, passing away in 2004. William had a daughter with her.

William is in two from The Baltimore Sun, taken on occasion of his becoming the Commander of the Regiment of Midshipmen. Photos are dated February 9, 1941; the Class of 1941 graduated in February as the first of the wartime-accelerated classes. (Links no longer valid.)

He is listed at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial.

Photographs

From the Lucky Bag

"Lieutenant William Hanna Mendenhall, US Navy. Photo courtesy of his family." Source

"Lt. William H. Mendenhall (on left) with his commanding officer, Commander Frank D. Latta (on right) at the commissioning of the USS Lagarto (SS-371) on 14 October 1944 in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Photo courtesy of US Navy Archives." Source