Ira Boswell Cheaney Jr. was born on February 4, 1917, in Alabama. He was the son of Ira Boswell Cheaney and Mildred B. Cheaney. He was married to Lillian Jackson. He graduated from Pasadena Junior College and entered the United States Military Academy at West Point, graduating in 1941. He proceeded to Fort Benning for advanced Infantry training.
In the fall of 1941, as tensions escalated across the Pacific, First Lieutenant Ira Cheaney departed for the Philippine Islands. Serving with the Philippine Division, he commanded a rifle platoon during the opening stages of the Japanese invasion in December 1941. Despite unending enemy attacks, heavy bombardment, and the exhaustion of his men, Cheaney’s leadership and courage kept his platoon fighting valiantly. Ultimately, during the fierce Battle of Bataan, his unit was overrun, and on January 30, 1942, he was killed in action, giving his life in steadfast defense of his command. He is now buried in the United States Military Academy Post Cemetery, West Point, Orange County, New York, USA.
Source of information: www.findagrave.com, alumni.westpointaog.org
PRIVATE CITIZENS SUPPORTING AMERICA'S HERITAGE
American
War Memorials Overseas, Inc.
War Memorials Overseas, Inc.
Cheaney Ira Boswell, Jr.
Name:
Ira Boswell, Jr. Cheaney
Rank:
First Lieutenant
Serial Number:
0-23965
Unit:
57th Infantry Regiment
Date of Death:
1942-01-30
State:
California
Cemetery:
United States Military Academy Post Cemetery, West Point, Orange County, New York, USA
Plot:
Section VII
Row:
Grave:
Site 107
Decoration:
Distinguished Service Cross
Comments: