Chesney, John Van Buren

Johnny V Chesney

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Significance:

Company C, 135th Infantry, 34th Infantry Division

Place of Birth:

Jackson, Tennessee

Date of Birth:

November 12, 1922

Place of Death:

Appenine Mountains

Date of Death:

October 14, 1944

Place of Burial:

Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Cemetery Name:

Stones River National Cemetery

John Van Buren Chesney was born on November 12th, 1922 in Jackson, TN. He was affectionately known as Johnny. At the age of 18, he began work at the Bohn Aluminum and Brass Corp where he worked until he was drafted. He was described as being 5'8" and 150 pounds with a light brown complexion featuring brown hair and blue eyes. When he turned 19, he was drafted to serve as a Private First Class in Company C of the 135th Infantry, 34th Infantry Division of the U.S. Army. At the time of being drafted, he was living in Cookville, Putnam County, TN. 

The 34th Infantry Division, known as the 'Red Bull" division, were heavily involved in the Italian Campaigns during World War II. They fought for 20 months in Italy before completing their objective of infiltrating Cassino. From May 1944 to October 1944, they marched through Rome, taking Castellina, Pastina, Fauglia, Leghorn, and other cities before arriving at the German and Italian defensive line known as the "Gothic Line." They dug in at the line for four months, and it was during these engagements that PFC Chesney lost his life. It is unknown the specifics of how he died, but he is listed as killed in action on October 14th, 1944 at the age of 22. 

Johnny V Chesney is laid to rest at Stones River National Cemetery in plot P-6320.