William Rand Jr.
Early Life
William Henry Rand III was born on December 1, 1895, in New York City, New York, the son of William H. Rand Jr. and Rosalie Crockett. He spent part of his early life in Rye, New York, where his family maintained a residence on Forest Avenue, establishing a clear connection to the community.
Raised in a prominent and well-established family, he benefited from strong educational and social foundations, which later supported both his military service and professional career.
World War I Service
Rand entered naval service on September 18, 1917, receiving a commission as an Ensign in the United States Naval Reserve Force. He underwent initial training at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, as part of the Navy’s wartime expansion of officer training programs.
He was assigned to duty within the Second Naval District before receiving sea duty aboard the USS Gregory (DD-82), a destroyer engaged in patrol and escort operations during World War I. Destroyers such as the Gregory were essential to protecting convoys and countering the threat posed by German submarines in the Atlantic.
During his service, Rand advanced in rank from Ensign to Lieutenant (junior grade), reflecting both his performance and the Navy’s need for capable junior officers during wartime.
He served through the war and resigned from active duty on February 20, 1919.
Life After Service
Following his military service, Rand pursued a career in law and finance, becoming a securities analyst and attorney. He also achieved distinction in athletics, notably as the national singles squash champion in the early 1920s and later as co-holder of the national doubles court tennis title.
He resided in Locust Valley, Long Island, where he remained active in professional and social circles.
William H. Rand III died on May 3, 1965, at Community Hospital in Glen Cove, New York, at the age of 69.
At the time of his death, surviving family members are not clearly identified in available records.