Richard Chambers

Richard L. “R.L.” Chambers (Feb. 1, 1910 – Jan. 1, 1945) was a soldier in the U.S. Army from Oneida killed in World War II.

See Also: Scott Countians killed in war

Biography

Born Feb. 1, 1910, Richard L. Chambers was the son of James Ledford Chambers (1876-1953) and Minnesota Sexton (1886-1953). His father was a veteran of the Spanish-American War, and he was descended from Revolutionary War veterans William Chambers and Randolph Lawson.

His siblings included Vembert Bennie Chambers (1903-1957), Vernon Chambers (1922-1980), Clifton A. Chambers (1924-1988), Velva Faye Bailey (1927-1989), Ben Venbert Chambers, and Roger Chambers (1931-1977). There were other siblings, as well, including Lucille Chambers, Jennings Chambers, Hazel Chambers, and Earl Chambers.

When the 1840 census was taken just prior to the start of World War II, R.L. Chambers lived with his parents in the Leatherwood area west of Oneida.

World War II

Pvt. Chambers enlisted in the U.S. Army and was assigned to the 60th Armored Infantry Battalion, 9th Armored Division. He fought in the European theater of the war. He was killed on Jan. 1, 1945.

He had a brother, Vernon Chambers, who served in Northern Italy with a medical detachment of the 361st Regiment, 91st Division.

Aftermath

Pvt. Chambers was initially buried at Campigneul, Chalons-sur-Marne, France. His body was returned stateside, and he was buried at Knoxville National Cemetery.

He is listed on the VFW Post 5669 Memorial Wall in Oneida, the Scott County Veterans Memorial in Huntsville, and the East Tennessee Veterans Memorial in Knoxville.