US Military Figure. He gained his place in history as the last surviving member, a Chief Yeoman, of the staff of Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz, Commander in Chief, US Pacific Fleet, commanding the Allied air, land, and sea forces during World War II. Raised in Tazewell, he graduated from Tazewell High School then enlisted in the U.S. Navy. During World War II, he served in Hawaii and on Guam and was responsible for the administration of Admiral Nimitz' headquarters and for the handling of the Pacific Fleet's classified communications. Discharged from the Navy in 1946, he attended McClain's Business College in Bluefield, West Virginia, then worked in grocery store management for several years. Chief Rutherford later sold mechanical equipment and was eventually to start his own successful realty firm. He served for many years on the board of the Bluefield Union Mission and on the City Planning Commission. At his death he was probably the last direct participant in the September 2, 1945, surrender of Japan.
US Military Figure. He gained his place in history as the last surviving member, a Chief Yeoman, of the staff of Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz, Commander in Chief, US Pacific Fleet, commanding the Allied air, land, and sea forces during World War II. Raised in Tazewell, he graduated from Tazewell High School then enlisted in the U.S. Navy. During World War II, he served in Hawaii and on Guam and was responsible for the administration of Admiral Nimitz' headquarters and for the handling of the Pacific Fleet's classified communications. Discharged from the Navy in 1946, he attended McClain's Business College in Bluefield, West Virginia, then worked in grocery store management for several years. Chief Rutherford later sold mechanical equipment and was eventually to start his own successful realty firm. He served for many years on the board of the Bluefield Union Mission and on the City Planning Commission. At his death he was probably the last direct participant in the September 2, 1945, surrender of Japan.
Bio by: Bob Hufford
Inscription
Military Marker
CY US Navy
World War II
Family Members
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See more Rutherford memorials in:
Records on Ancestry
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