William P. Kephart

William Perry Kephart, born Meyersdale, Pennsylvania, 9 September 1915, enlisted in the United States Naval Reserve 15 August 1937 and was appointed Aviation Cadet 3 months later. After flight training at Pensacola, Fla., he was commissioned Ensign 1 December 1938.

Kephart served with air groups in Saratoga (CV-3) and Wasp (CV-7), and in May 1940 returned to Pensacola as a flight instructor. Six months later he rejoined Scouting Squadron 71 (VS-71) on board Wasp. Promoted to Lieutenant (j.g.) 15 June 1942 and Lieutenant (temporary) 1 October, Lt. Kephart was killed in action 14 October while engaging the enemy over Guadalcanal.

Namesake
In 1943, the destroyer escort USS Kephart (DE-207) was named in Lt. Kephart's honor, sponsored by his mother.