Leland Drynan White's Obituary
Leland Drynan White was born on August 14, 1919 in Palo Alto, California , the home of Stanford University. He was named Leland after the founder of the university. His middle name, Drynan was his mothers maiden name. Lee’s mother died when he was only nine years old. Fortunately for Lee and his four siblings, two older and two younger, they had a wonderful father. Albert White had emigrated from New Zealand when he was 39, and now raised his five children by himself while working full time to successfully keep the family together and off the welfare rolls during the Great Depression.
Lee grew up in Oakdale, a farming community on the Stanislaus River where he spent many happy hours swimming, rafting and fishing. But in 1933 his father contacted tuberculosis and died a year later. Lee dropped out of high school after only two years and worked at agricultural jobs until he turned 17. Then, after being on a waiting list for eight months he finally got his childhood wish and enlisted in the United States Navy.
Following completion of recruit training (boot camp) at Naval Training Center San Diego, Lee was assigned to the light cruiser USS Richmond (Cl-9). But when war broke out in 1941 he immediately volunteered for submarine duty. He was accepted and sent to the Submarine School at New London, Connecticut for basic submarine training. Upon graduation he was assigned to the newly commissioned submarine USS Muskellunge (SS-262). Lee served aboard Muskellunge throughout the war, making all seven of her war patrols in the Pacific.
After the war Lee re-enlisted and subsequently served aboard two other submarines, USS Chopper (SS-342) and USS. Gudgen (SS-567), as well as several shore based assignments. Lee retired from the navy as a Chief Engineman, ENC(SS) on August 3, 1960 after 24 years of service to his country. He was awarded and authorized to wear the following medals and commendations:
Combat Action Ribbon
Navy Good Conduct Medal with three stars
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with two stars
World War Two Victory Medal
Philippine Liberation Medal with one star
Submarine Combat Pin with two stars
Only a week after retiring from the Navy Lee began his second career in civilian life, joining Philco on August 8, 1960. Philco was later purchased by Ford and renamed Ford Aerospace. Lee enjoyed a 22 year career with the two companies, finally retiring for good in 1984.
Lee’s wife of 57 years, Helen died on February 16, 2008. He was also predeceased by his only son Leland Gary.
United States Submarine Veterans membership number 5791 is hereby retired.
Sailor, rest your oar.
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