William Chain Jr. Remembered

William Chain Jr. Navy Cross recipient is remembered by his Family. Mr. Chain was an active member in the Post 223 and the Minute Men Honor Guard.
NEWBURG — William “Bill” B. Chain Jr., a Newburg resident and recipient of the prestigious Navy Cross, died Feb. 18 at the age of 84.
Bill’s son, William Chain III, said his father was a family man who took great pride in his church and community. He said his parents’ marriage of 64 years was a special one, and he dedicated much of his life to serving the fire department and his country.
“He loved my mother, and my mother certainly loved him and cared for him as his health declined,” Chain said. “Church was one of the most important things to him. He loved to serve the church and the Lord, and he sang in the choir.”
A native of New Jersey, Bill volunteered in the Haddon Heights Fire Department, in Haddon Heights, N.J., for many years, and served in numerous positions — including chief — following a five-year stint in the U.S. Marine Corps.
Bill held the rank of platoon sergeant when he retired from the Marine Corps. He received the Navy Cross, the second highest award in the Marine Corps, and numerous medals, including two Purple Hearts and the Warrang Medal of the Republic of South Korea.
Bill received the Navy Cross for his dedication to his squad, despite being wounded by a grenade that left him blind.
Chain said the Navy Cross was awarded to only about 250 Korean War veterans.
“He never really spoke about the Marines or his citations,” Chain said. “I never really knew to the degree he was injured until later.”
Bill worked as a construction superintendent at the New Jersey Water Co. before he and his wife, Virginia, moved to Newburg in 1992 to be closer to family. Chain said he initially worried that his parents would miss their home and friends in New Jersey, but he soon realized he had nothing to fear.
“They developed wonderful relationships with the neighbors, church family and friends,” he said. “He got along with everybody. Some of his friends were Amish. He loved children. He enjoyed rural living and slowing down. New Jersey has a faster-paced lifestyle, but coming to Newburg was perfect for them. It’s clean, respectful, and people care for one another.”
Chain said his father especially enjoyed attending the Veterans Day program at Shippensburg Area Senior High School.
“He was passionate about the fire service ... and he was loved going to the high school for the Veterans Day program,” he said. “When they sang ‘The Star Spangled Banner,’ I’m sure he sang as loud as anyone.”