(EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT – Jan. 22, 2024) — Students and staff at Chapin High School remembered a fallen World War II soldier whose bravery and commitment continues to reverberate throughout the campus today.
A special ceremony was held Monday, Jan. 22, for Capt. John L. Chapin. The event took place in the main rotunda of the campus that bears his name.
“This is an important ceremony because today is the day he was killed in action, so this ceremony commemorates that day,” said JROTC Army instructor and Command Sgt. Maj. Nathan Shaw. “For the cadets, what it does, it gives them a sense of loyalty and it shows them that this is something larger than life and inspire them to be something greater.”
At the start of the ceremony, a moment of silence was held for Chapin. Students then walked toward the memorial in the rotunda where they placed flowers. The gathering is organized each year by the Chapin student council.
“Chapin usually does a ceremony every year, but this year is a little more special because it marks the 80th year since the passing of Capt. Chapin,” said Chapin High School student Jonathan Perez.
Chapin was born and raised in El Paso. Before enlisting in the National Guard, Chapin graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in chemical engineering. He postponed plans to attend medical school to serve in the National Guard.
In November 1940, Capt. Chapin’s unit was activated as E Company, 141st Infantry, 36th Infantry Division in the U.S. Army. The unit was sent overseas to North Africa. Chapin declined opportunities for promotions to stay with E Company, a unit predominantly comprised of fellow El Pasoans. He was greatly respected by his men and was killed leading them into battle across the Rapido River in Italy during WWII.
“I feel that it’s very special to honor Capt. Chapin every anniversary. I think it means a lot to the school,” said JROTC member Alyssa Rojo. “It’s an honor and I am proud to take part in this event.”
As students reflect on the life of Capt. Chapin, others said they are honored to have the memorial placed inside their campus. “I think it’s a beautiful thing. We take a lot of pride in it. We have a lot of respect for it,” said Chapin student Americas Huerta, “It’s just a great reminder of the heroism that he represented and instills in us today.”
