Key Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | William Hugh Jenner |
| Birth Date & Place | February 7, 1923; Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada |
| Parents | Hugh Burton Jenner and Bertha Mae Cunningham |
| Military Service | U.S. Army, 5th Ranger Battalion (1942–1945) |
| Honors & Awards | Bronze Star; Purple Heart; Silver medal (100-yd dash, 1945 Army Olympics) |
| Post-War Career | Tree surgeon; landscaper; 13 years at Sierra Boat Co. |
| Hobbies | Water skiing; flying ultralight airplanes |
| Notable Family Member | Daughter: Caitlyn Jenner (Olympic gold medalist, television personality) |
Early Life and Background
Hugh Burton Jenner and Bertha Mae Cunningham had William Hugh Jenner on February 7, 1923, in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada. He grew up in Westchester County, New York, after his family moved from Boston.
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Birth | February 7, 1923 |
| Birthplace | Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada |
| Parents | Hugh Burton Jenner; Bertha Mae Cunningham |
| Childhood Locales | Boston area; later Westchester County, New York |
| Early Education | Not publicly documented; formative years in NY |
Military and Athletic Success
American Jenner enlisted. Army in 1942, joining the elite 5th Ranger Battalion. After landing on Omaha Beach on D-Day, he received the Bronze Star and Purple Heart for heroism and won silver in the 100-yard dash at the 1945 Army Olympics.
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Enlistment | 1942, U.S. Army |
| Unit | 5th Ranger Battalion |
| Key Engagement | Omaha Beach landing (June 6, 1944) |
| Combat Honors | Bronze Star; Purple Heart |
| Athletic Achievement | Silver medal, 100-yd dash, U.S. Army Olympics (Nuremberg, 1945) |
| Discharge | November 1945, honorable discharge |
Post-War Career and Hobbies
Jenner became a tree surgeon and landscaper after World War II, using his military discipline and teamwork. After joining Sierra Boat Co. in Carnelian Bay, California, he spent 13 years building and maintaining boats while enjoying outdoor activities.
| Profession | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tree Surgeon & Landscaper | Worked on private and commercial properties |
| Sierra Boat Co. | Employee for 13 years in Carnelian Bay, CA |
| Water Skiing | Regular participant on Lake Tahoe |
| Ultralight Aviation | Pilot of light recreational aircraft |
Net Worth
No public documents show William Hugh Jenner’s wealth. His tree surgery, landscaping, and boat company revenues indicate a comfortable but average middle class lifestyle.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Public Records | No documented net worth |
| Income Sources | Skilled trades and salaried manufacturing work |
| Estimated Status | Modest middle-class financial position |
Family and Legacy
Caitlyn Jenner, William Hugh Jenner’s daughter, is best known for her Olympic success and media career. His son Harold “Burt” Jenner predeceased him, and his daughters Lisa Jenner and Pamela Mettler spent their lives privately.
| Name | Birth/Death | Notability |
|---|---|---|
| Caitlyn Jenner | b. October 28, 1949 | Olympic decathlon gold medalist; television personality |
| Harold “Burt” Jenner | 1946–1976 | Deceased in 1976; limited public information |
| Lisa Jenner | Unknown | Private individual; minimal public record |
| Pamela Jenner (Mettler) | Unknown | Mentioned in obituaries; no public prominence |
FAQ
Who was William Hugh Jenner?
American serviceman William Hugh Jenner was a tree surgeon from Canada and father of Olympic champion Caitlyn Jenner.
When and where was he born?
Born February 7, 1923, in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada.
What military honors did he receive?
He received the Bronze Star and Purple Heart for courage on Omaha Beach.
What did he do after the war?
After tree surgery and landscaping, he spent 13 years at Sierra Boat Co. in California.
What is known about his net worth?
Although no formal records exist, his professions indicate a modest, middle-class income.
