Who Is David Kenyon Webster? Age, Biography, and Wiki
David Kenyon Webster was born on June 2, 1922, and his life was marked by significant events surrounding his service during World War II. As of 2025, Webster would be 103 years old if he were alive. He was known not only for his bravery as a soldier but also for his insightful writings, particularly his work "Parachute Infantry," which detailed his experiences in the 82nd Airborne Division. His contributions to literature and journalism have left a lasting legacy, painting a vivid picture of the wartime experience.
| Occupation | Journalist |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | June 2, 1922 |
| Age | 39 Years |
| Birth Place | New York, New York, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Gemini |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 9 September, 1961 |
| Died Place | Santa Monica, California, U.S. |
Popularity
David Kenyon Webster's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific details about David Kenyon Webster's height and weight are not widely documented, his physical stature as a soldier often reflected the standard requirements of military personnel during his time. It's essential to recognize that body statistics may not be readily available or relevant considering Webster's main impact was through his writing and service.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
David Kenyon Webster's romantic relationships were not extensively documented; however, it is known that he had close ties with his family and cherished friendships that transcended his wartime experiences. As a historical figure, speculation about his relationships does not encompass the full depth of his life, which was substantially dedicated to service and writing. Webster had a rich friendship with fellow soldiers and was part of a band of brothers that often shared deep bonds formed through shared adversity.
On 9 September 1961, Webster embarked on a fishing trip in a 12 ft sailboat, leaving in the morning and planning to come back in the afternoon. When he failed to return, the Coast Guard embarked on a search. Early the following day, commercial fishermen recovered his boat 5 nmi offshore. One oar and a tiller were missing.
His wife told the press that Webster would go shark-fishing in the small craft but did not use a life preserver. At the time of his death, he was employed as a technical writer with System Development Corp.
Net Worth and Salary
David Kenyon Webster's net worth at the time of his passing in 1961 is not thoroughly documented in public records. However, as an accomplished journalist and author, it can be inferred he earned a modest income through his writings and military service. By 2025, any posthumous recognition of his work has likely contributed to the ongoing appreciation of his literary and historical legacy, though exact figures remain unavailable.
Career, Business, and Investments
Webster's career was primarily focused on his roles as a soldier and journalist. After joining the 82nd Airborne Division, he participated in key military operations, including the D-Day invasion. After the war, he became a journalist and was influential in shaping public perception of the military through his writings. His notable work, "Parachute Infantry," reflects his personal experiences and provides profound insights into the life of soldiers. Although he did not venture into business or investments in the typical sense, his keen observations and storytelling have established his work as an invaluable resource for historians and readers alike.
David Kenyon Webster (2 June 1922 – disappeared 9 September 1961, presumed dead) was an American soldier, journalist, and author. During World War II he was a private with E Company, 2nd Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, in the 101st Airborne Division. Webster was portrayed in the HBO miniseries Band of Brothers by Eion Bailey.
Social Network
In the era of social media, David Kenyon Webster's legacy continues to be an important topic among various history groups and military enthusiasts. Websites and platforms dedicated to veterans and historical recollection often reference his writings and experiences. While he did not live to experience the modern digital age, his works have created a lasting bond among readers and admirers who share insights and discussions about his life and lessons from World War II.
Except for a few short stories in magazines such as the Saturday Evening Post, Webster's wartime diary and thoughts remained unpublished at the time of his death.
However, Stephen Ambrose, a professor of history at the University of New Orleans, who had studied Webster's writings, was so impressed by the historical value of Webster's unpublished papers that the professor encouraged Webster's widow to submit the writing package to LSU Press.
She did so, and a book was published, with Ambrose's foreword, by LSU in 1994. Entitled Parachute Infantry: An American Paratrooper's Memoir of D-Day and the Fall of the Third Reich, it presented Webster's first-hand account of life as an Airborne infantryman.
His trained eye, honesty, and writing skills helped give the book, as well as the miniseries, a color and tone not available in other G.I. diaries. An excerpt illustrates his style: ""Since there was little traffic at night, no noncom stood here after dark. He posted his men and slept until time to wake up the relief.
I usually left that job to someone reliable like Janovec, for with a gin party every night, I was seldom in condition to wake anybody else up.""
Education
Details regarding David Kenyon Webster's formal education are not extensively detailed, but like many young men of his generation, he likely attended school during the Great Depression, which shaped his worldview and experiences. His education in journalism came into play as he began writing, showcasing his ability to articulate complex emotions and facts surrounding war, heroism, and the human experience.
He was educated at The Taft School, Watertown, Connecticut, then enrolled as an English literature major at Harvard University. In 1942, he volunteered for the paratroopers before finishing his degree. He used his middle name, Kenyon, while addressing his family in his letters to home rather than his first name, David.
