MILITARY SERVICE OF DESCENDANTS
OF
ESTIENNE CHENEAU (STEPHEN CHENAULT)

This page is dedicated to our ancestors and cousins who either served their country or are serving in one of the military branches of the United States military.  Included are Recipients of Military Awards and Commendations, a Roll of Service of Descendants of Estienne Cheneau (Stephen Chenault), Descendants Serving During the American Revolution, and Descendants Serving During the War of 1812.

Recipients of Military Awards and Commendations

Henry Tyler Chernault (11131.3855), b. 23 Dec 1922; d. 7 Nov 2002, Clarksville, Mecklenburg Co., VA. He served in WWII, US Army, 22 Jul 1943 to 15 Dec 1945, when wounded (2nd Purple Heart); received Silver and Bronze Stars, 1944.

Charles Lucien Shinault (11145.1551), b. 24 Sep 1921, Booneville, MS (twin); d. 31 Mar 2004. Served USArmy Air Forces, entered service 5 Dec 1943. Recipient of Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart, WWII Victory Medal, and other commendations.

James Miller Chenault (1133b.6211), b. 23 May 1924, San Pedro, Los Angeles Co., CA; d. 8 Jun 2011, York, York Co., NE. He served US Air Corp/Air Force, WWII and Korean Conflict; rank, Capt. (B29A) Awarded Distinguished Flying Cross, 12 Apr 1951.

Robert Lovell Graham (11353.1921), b. 23 Dec 1919; d. 17 May 1990; buried Meadowbrook Cem., Lamar Co., TX. He served in USArmy in WWII; decorated with the Purple Heart and Silver Star.

Claire Lee Chennault (11354.151), b. 6 Sep 1893, Commerce, TX; d. 27 Jul 1958, New Orleans, LA; buried Arlington National Cem. 

This is the well-known Lt. Gen. Chennault, leader of the famous "Flying Tigers," who, in spite of an attempt by Japan’s military forces to set up a blockade, kept supply lines open into war-ravaged China along     the treacherous Burma Road. Chennault and his men were a group comprising mercenaries with flying experience, hired by Chiang Kai-Shek, and known as the American Volunteer Group, or AVG. Chennault was provided old and, argueably, obsolete fighter planes by President Roosevelt, because that was all the President could spare. But with the air-to-air fighting tactics taught to them by Chennault, the Flying Tigers became heroes to the Chinese government, Chinese people, and eventually to various factions within the US Army Air Corp, and the American people.

In an attempt to frighten the Japanese pilots, these aviators painted the now-famous shark’s teeth on both sides of the noses of their P-40 Tomahawk fighter planes. This nose art became the unit’s trademark. After an air battle over the capital city of Rangoon, Burma, in which the AVG shot down 25 Japanese planes, while losing only 2 men and 3 planes, the Chinese press tagged the AVG with the name "Flying Tigers."

David Franklin Chenault, Jr. (11353.4352), b. 1925; d. 13 Mar 1945; buried Henri-Chapelle, Liege, Belgium. Private, USArmy, 393^rd Inf., 99^th Division. Awarded Purple Heart; WWII Honor Roll.

Ernest Nelson Chennault (11354.154), b. 23 Sep 1911, Gilbert, LA. He served as Capt. in USMC (WWII); received multiple wounds at Iwo Jima. After the war, he joined the Army Engineer Corps as a civilian. Silver Star recipient.

James Kenneth Chenault (11354.2421), b. 18 Sep 1917, Sherman, Grayson Co., TX; d. 14 Jan 2006, Corpus Christi, Nueces Co., TX; buried Arlington National Cem., DC. Served 32 years US Army; rank, Col. Awarded Bronze Star, WWII Victory Medal, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Expeditionary Medal (Korea), National Defense Service Medal, and several others. He was kidnapped in 1963 by guerillas in Venezuela. They mistakenly believed he was a close relative of General Chennault. He was held captive for 8 days.

Oran Ward Chenault, MD (11355.633), b. 6 Feb 1904, England, AR; d. 4 Feb 1980, San Francisco, CA; Dr. Chenault graduated from the Univ. of Arkansas School of Medicine, 1930. He was a clinician, educator, and one of the pioneers in aviation medicine during a 30-year USN career. Served USNavy; rank, Captain; awarded Legion of Merit for outstanding service as Medical Officer of the USS Bunker Hill (Pacific). From Military Times Hall of Valor:

"The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat "V" to Captain (MC) [then Commander] Oran Ward Chenault, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Medical Officer of the U.S.S. BUNKER HILL (CV-17), from 5 August 1943 to 5 October 1944. Captain Chenault, with superb leadership and superior executive ability, organized and trained the Medical Department of the BUNKER HILL prior to arrival of the ship in the combat zone. He conducted his duties as Head of that Department during twenty-five strikes against the Japanese enemy fleet and many formidable strongholds including Rabaul, Gilbert Islands, Kavieng, Marshall Islands, Marianas, and Philippine Islands in a courageous and aggressive manner. On 19 June 1944, when the BUNKER HILL was damaged by a near bomb miss resulting in the death of two persons and injury of fifty, he personally directed medical and first aid operations in a most commendable manner. His tireless interest in the well being and welfare of the pilots of the Air Groups contributed to the high state of morale and resulting success of the Air Groups. His professional skill, sound judgment, and tireless performance of duty were contributing factors to the success of the operations of his ship in this critical phase of the war in the Pacific. His outstanding service, exemplary personal conduct in battle and outstanding performance of duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Chenault is authorized to wear the Combat "V""

Billie Harris Henderson (11355.8131), b. 21 Aug 1923, Dallas, Dallas Co., TX; d. 15 Feb 2003, Ft. Worth, Tarrant Co., TX. He served in WWII, 104th Inf. Div.; awarded Bronze Star for service in European theater.

Theodore Gilliam (11365.6713), b. 16 Aug 1915, MS; d. 20 Oct 1995, Ft. Worth, Tarrant Co., TX; buried Indiantown Gap National Cem., Annville, Lebanon Co., PA. During WWII, he served in USArmy, 38^th Cavalry Reconnaissance Troup; Rank 2^nd Lt.; awarded a battlefield commission and two Bronze Stars in the Phillippines campaign.

"For heroic service in connection with military operations against the enemy near Tarlac, Luzon, Philippine Islands on 21 March 1945. On this date, a patrol from Lieutenant Gilliam’s troop was halted by a withering fire from concealed enemy machine guns and rifles. Upon seeing one of his men lying seriously wounded and exposed to this fire, Lieutenant Gilliam, with complete disregard for his personal safety, left his protected position and ran across open terrain to the aid of his comrade. Upon reaching his side, Lieutenant Gilliam picked him up and carried him to a place of safety where medical treatment could be administered. Lieutenant Gilliam’s bravery and utter disregard for his person safety were an inspiration to the officers and men of his organization and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the military service."

Lewis Edward Hudson (11365.9263), b. 11 May 1917, Oklahoma City, OK; d. 28 Feb 1945; buried Henri-Chapelle American Cem., Belgium. Served WWII, USArmy, 746^th Tank Batt., rank 2^nd Lt. Awarded Bronze Star and Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster. Appears on WWII Honor Roll.

Pat William Chennault (11367.12211.1), b. 5 Jan 1945, Altus, Jackson Co., OK; d. 9 Oct 2013, Lawton, OK. He is a veteran of USArmy, recipient of Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, Distinguished Flying Cross, and Bronze Star.

William A. Owens (11367.1315), b. 2 Nov 1905; d. 9 Dec 1990, Nyack, NY. He was the author of sixteen books including fiction, folklore, history, and an autobiography, "This Stubborn Soil," which won the Texas Institute of Letters award. He was made a fellow of the institute, the second such honor granted to a Texas author for "continuing excellence in writing." From 1942 to 1945, he served in the USArmy and was awarded the Legion of Merit.

Cleveland Smith Whittaker (11414.4946), b. 24 May 1922, Caroline Co., VA; d. 9 May 2004. Served USArmy, WWII, enlisted 1 Sep 1943, released 31 Mar 1945, awarded Purple Heart and Bronze Star.

Joe Prewitt Chenault, Jr. (11511.1121), b. 26 Apr 1920, Richmond, Madison Co., KY; d. 9 Jun 2002. Served US Army, Air Corps; WWII; rank, 1^st Lt.; POW, 8 Oct 1943-May 1945; awarded Purple Heart.

Charles Vivian Chenault (11513.56), b. 3 Jul 1891, Hillsboro, Hill Co., TX; d. Dec 1944, Amarillo, Potter Co., TX. Served USArmy, WWI, 117^th Inf.; rank, 1^st Sgt.; awarded Silver Star Citation. From Military Times Hall of Valor:

"By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Sergeant Charles V. Chenault (ASN: 116459), United States Army, is cited by the Commanding General, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Sergeant Chenault distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with Machine Gun Company, 117th Infantry Regiment, 30th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near Bellicourt, France, 29 September 1918, in organizing stragglers and leading them forward under heavy enemy fire."

Charles Joseph Chenault (11524.x13), Col. (Ret.) USAF, b. 24 Oct 1918, Canon City, Fremont Co., CO; d. 3 Nov 2012, Sacramento, Sacramento Co., CA. Charles, during a 30 year career as a fighter pilot, served in 3 wars, WWII, Korean War, and Vietnam War. He received numerous awards, including the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Legion of Merit, and the Purple Heart (for a broken back incurred when he was shot down by ground fire, and crash-landed, while flying a ground support mission during the Korean War).

Emmett Arthur Chenault (13115.3c6), b. 25 Aug 1894, TX; d. 13 Mar 1962, El Paso Co., TX; buried Ft. Bliss National Cem., Ft. Bliss, TX. Served USNavy, rank, watertender, on USS Barnegat; awarded Navy Cross for meritorious conduct duing accident 21 Feb 1918. From Military Times Hall of Valor:

"Navy Cross awarded for meritorious conduct during an accident sustained by the USS Barnegat on 21 Feb 1918. Water Tender Chenault, a member of the engine-room force, was in the fireroom three minutes after the accident, which was flooded with escaping seam, and had the fires pulled."

John Francis Chenault (13115.9332), b. 12 Jul 1921, Poplar Bluff, Butler Co., MO; d. 27 Oct 1966, Shreveport, Caddo Par., LA. Served in USArmy, WWII, recipient of Bronze Star.