14 Facts About Chan Gurney

John Chandler "Chan" Gurney was an American businessman and politician from South Dakota.

Chan Gurney attended the public schools of Yankton and graduated from Yankton High School in 1915.

Chan Gurney became active in his father's business, Gurney's Seed and Nursery Company, of which was appointed secretary and treasurer.

Chan Gurney served in France in 1918 and 1919 and attained the rank of sergeant before being discharged for illness.

Chan Gurney was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution.

Chan Gurney belonged to the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Chan Gurney was considered a moderate critic of Franklin Roosevelt he consistently voted in favor of measures which would help the United Kingdom in their war against Nazi Germany.

Chan Gurney voted in favor of it and said "One would have to be a fool to oppose" the bill.

Chan Gurney was chairman of the US Senate Committee on Armed Services in the 80th Congress, the first chairman after the merger of the committees on Naval Affairs and Military Affairs.

Chan Gurney was reelected in 1944, and served from January 3,1939, to January 3,1951.

Chan Gurney was an unsuccessful candidate for renomination in 1950, losing the Republican primary to Francis Case, who went on to win the general election.

In 1951, Chan Gurney was appointed to the Civil Aeronautics Board.

Chan Gurney served as chairman from 1954 to 1957, and served on the board until 1964.

In 1917, Chan Gurney married Evelyn Bordeno in Kansas City, Kansas.