Career
Wann enlisted in the Navy at Portland, Oregon, on 14 December 1939 and eventually received the rating of Pharmacist"s Mate, 2nd class (PhM2/c). Japanese machine guns, raking the causeway between Gavutu and Tanambogo Islands, pinned down the marines with heavy fire. Wann volunteered to cross the area to render aid and return casualties to the aid station.
Ignoring the enemy fire and with complete disregard of his own life, he sprinted back and forth, carrying and rendering aid to wounded marines.
He remained attached to Marine units in the Guadalcanal campaign until killed in action on 4 November 1942. United States Ship Walter C. Wann (Delaware-412) was named in his honor.
She was laid down on 6 December 1943 at Houston, Texas, by the Brown Shipbuilding Company Launched on 19 January 1944.
Sponsored by Mistress Walter C. Wann, Senior
And commissioned on 2 May 1944, Lieutenant Commander John West. Stedman, Junior., United States Naval Reserve, in command.
