This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: marcenath Surnames: Chamness, Trammel Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.newmexico.counties.donaana/4664/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Howard (H.D.) Chamness born August 28, 1920 to Allen R. and Ruby Trammel Chamness passed away August 18, 2010 in Las Cruces, NM. In June 1939 he joined the Navy retiring 20 years later. In 1959 he moved to Las Cruces and went to work at Raytheon (WSMR). Like so many of our WWII Veterans he didn't talk about his life. He served in the Mediterranian and Pacific. As a Gunners Mate First Class aboard the USS YMS 226 he received the Navy and Marine Corps Metal as well as a Citation from the President for heroism during the advanced landings in the Inzio-Nettune area, Italy in January 1944. Following the sinking of several landing crafts by enemy action the USS YMS 226 proceded in rescue operations. With disreguard of his own safety he left his ship by way of a cargo net and swam with a line to a life raft with five semi-concious survivors on board. Despite heavy seas he secured a line to the raft and when it was brought along side the rolling and pitching ship he assisted at risk of being crushed against the side in the removal of the survivors. His persistance and selflessness contributed to the saving of several lives. He was in the freezing shark infested water for over 20 hours. Howard was also a member of the Armed Forces d! uring the Korean War and was in the Naval Reserves. Howard was married to Lois Brinkley Wiley. He had three children Alvin (Butch) Wiley, Wesley and Patricia Chamness. He is survived by his sons Wesley and Butch (Barbara), three grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Brothers C.W. Ward (Virginia), Rodney (Cathy) Chamness, sisters Ruth Walker Huddleston, Lynda (Shug) Johnston, and many nieces and nephews. Howard was preceded in death by Lois and Patricia, his parents, four brothers, John and Berkley Ward, Ray and Glen Chamness, sister Estelle McGee and their spouses. Visitation for Howard will be held on Monday, August 23, 2010 at La Paz-Graham's Funeral Home, 555 W. Amador Avenue from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. A graveside service will take place on Tuesday, August 24, at 11 a.m. at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery in El Paso, TX where Howard will be laid to rest with full military honors. To send condolences log on to www.lapaz-grahams.com Published in Las Cruces Sun-News on August 22, 2010 Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.