Project 888
Name: William Delbert LeVALLEY
Rank / Rating: EM2-Electrician's Mate Second ClassService #: 655 38 13 DOB: Mar 26, 1924 From: Portland, OR Parents: Leonard Irving and Anna Elizabeth (Klosterman) Went Aboard: Oct. 29, 1943 Age When Ship Went Down: 21 years, 4 months, 4 days Spouse: Edna Nevada (Neal) LeValley Children: Grandchildren: Bio Submitted By: Vicki LeValley Fabryka (niece) and Deborah Shott (second cousin) |
 LEVALLEY, William D |
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Bill was the first son born to Leonard Irving LeValley and Anna Elizabeth (Klosterman) LeValley on March 26, 1924 in Woonsocket, South Dakota. He was a child of the Dust Bowl and in 1935 Leonard and Anna would move the family to Salem, Oregon to find work.
A talented finish carpenter, Leonard worked on building the new Oregon State capital. Anna was an excellent cook and after raising her 7 children she went to work for Richmond Grade School in Portland, Oregan as a cook in the 1950s.
Bill had 3 older sisters, 2 younger sisters and a younger brother. His sister Merle Vivian LeValley was a 1st lieutenant in the Army Nurse Corps during WWII.
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 The call to serve runs in the LeValley family. Bill’s great grandfather, Benjamin Franklin LeValley, Sr., and his 3 brothers, all served in the Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment, Company C in the Civil War.
The only brother of Bill’s great grandmother, Isabelle Whitcomb (Roberts) LeValley, also served in the Civil War. Elijah Hubbard Roberts joined the New York State Volunteer 193rd Infantry Regiment, Company 1 out of Oswego, New York.
Bill graduated from Salem High School in 1941. He enrolled in Oregon State College, now Oregon State University, following graduation. On September 29, 1942, Bill entered the draft and enlisted in the U.S.N. on October 17, 1942.
Being a Sea Scout as a young teen, Bill was destined to join the Navy. He and his crew members learned valuable seamanship lessons aboard “The Santiam” in South Salem. Bill joined the Sea Scouts after earning Star scout rank through the Cascade area council of Boy Scouts of America.
On January 20, 1943, Bill attended the Naval Training School (Electric & Diesel) at Iowa State College in Ames, Iowa. After graduating he went on to further his studies at Gyro Compass School and graduated on August 6, 1943.
Bill went on board USS Indianapolis on October 29, 1943, and continued to serve on the Indy until his death
On October 29, 1944, Bill married Edna Nevada Neal from Des Moines, Iowa at his parent’s home in Portland, Oregon. Edna worked at a shipyard as a welder and would remain in Portland while Bill was on active duty on board Indy.
After the kamikaze attack on March 31, 1945, Indy went to Mare Island Naval Shipyard for repairs. Edna would travel to California to spend some precious time with Bill while he was on leave there. The end of June of 1945 would be the last time they were together after only 8 months of marriage
Edna was in Des Moines, Iowa just a few days before that fateful day of July 30th visiting her aunt. Bill’s family was totally devastated after the Indy sank. He was only 21 years old.
May his memory be a blessing.
The included collection of photos and bio text were graciously submitted by William Delbert LeValley’s niece (Vicki LeValley Fabryka ) and his second cousin (Deborah Shott).
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