Chandler Swanson

SWANSON, CHANDLER, Captain Chandler Waterman Swanson, Ret., Commanding Officer Naval Air Station, Sanford, 1964-1966. Chandler was born in Brooklyn, NY in 1915 and was raised in Montclair, NJ. Upon his graduation in 1937 from Carleton College, Northfield, MN, with a major in geology, he entered the Naval Aviation Cadet Program. He received his wings as a naval aviator in 1938 and was ordered to duty as a pilot in the Scout Bomber Squadron aboard the old USS Lexington (CV-2) where he served until 1942, when the carrier was sunk in the Battle of the Coral Sea. He returned to the Western Pacific as the Torpedo Bomber Squadron Commander aboard the USS Bunker Hill (CV-17) and participated in several actions, including Iwo Jima, Okinawa, and the first fast carrier strikes on Japan. He commanded the squadron that sank the Japanese super battleship Yamato. During 32 years in the Navy, Captain Swanson carried out various assignments afloat and ashore, including duties in Washington DC and Brazil. He was commanding officer of the ammunition ship USS Diamondhead (AE19) on the staff at the Naval War College in Newport, Rl. Prior to his final tour in Charleston, SC, he was Commanding Officer, Naval Air Station, Sanford, FL. Twice Captain Swanson was awarded the Navy Cross for heroic actions during World War II. The Navy Cross is the most distinguished award given within the Naval branch of the United States Armed Forces. His other service awards include: the Silver Star with Gold Star, the Distinguished Flying Cross with Gold Star, the Air Medal, with three Gold Stars, and the Navy Commendation Medal. Subsequent to his Naval career, Chandler Swanson resided in Winter Park, where he was a member of the Environmental Control Board of the city. He was an avid golfer and had been living in Winter Park with his wife Ruth Sargeant Swanson. He survived his beloved wife of 62 years, who passed away on May 10, 2003 and is survived by three daughters, Elizabeth Swanson, Pamela Swanson and Marilyn Riley; and three grandchildren, Chandler Riley, Karen Niles and Philip Riley. Arrangements handled by CAREY HAND COX-PARKER FUNERAL HOME, Winter Park, Florida (407) 647-1942.