John Whelchel
| John Esten Whelchel | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Nickname(s) | "Billick" |
| Born |
April 1, 1898 Hogansville, Georgia |
| Died | November 5, 1973 (aged 75) Portsmouth, Virginia |
| Allegiance |
 United States of America |
| Service/branch |
 United States Navy
|
| Years of service | 1916–1949 |
| Rank |
 Vice Admiral
|
| Commands held |
San Francisco (CA-38) McCall (DD-400) |
| Battles/wars |
World War I |
| Awards |
Legion of Merit (2) Bronze Star Medal |
World War I
World War II
John Esten "Billick" Whelchel (April 1, 1898 – November 5, 1973) was a decorated officer in the United States Navy with the rank of Vice Admiral, American football player, coach, and college athletics administrator. He served as the head football coach at the United States Naval Academy from 1942 to 1943, compiling a record of 13–5. In 1949, he was the head coach for the National Football League's Washington Redskins, tallying a mark of 3–3–1.
Whelchel was born on April 1, 1898 in Hogansville, Georgia, but he spent his childhood in Washington, D.C., where he was interested in athletics. Whelchel attended the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland and graduated in 1919. During his studies at Academy, he also served in European water during World War I as a Midshipman.
Upon his return to the United States and graduation, Whelchel was assigned to the football coaching staff. He served there until 1927, when he was transferred to the battleship USS Florida. He also coached their football squad. In 1930, his next service assignment was Norfolk Naval Shipyard, where he became coach of the local Navy football team. Subsequently, coached football team on the board of USS Idaho.
On June 22, 1938, now Lieutenant Commander Whelchel was appointed a Commanding Officer of newly commissioned Destroyer McCall (DD-400). McCall was assigned to the patrol duty in the Pacific and Whelchel spent next two years at sea with Destroyer Squadron Six, Battle Force, under the command of Freeland A. Daubin. He was finally succeeded by Lieutenant Commander Edwin G. Fullinwider on June 15, 1940.
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