Petty Officer Hegwood was born July 27, 1934 in Plattville, CO. He was raised in Alliance, Nebraska and is a graduate of Alliance Senior High School. He attended Chadron State Teachers College and the University of Nebraska. Petty Officer Hegwood enlisted in the United States Navy on April 1, 1954 and received basic training (Boot Camp) at the United States Naval Training Center (USNTC), San Diego, CA.
Following basic training, Petty Officer Hegwood was assigned to .A. School training as a Storekeeper at the Naval Training Center in San Diego. Upon graduation from .A. School, he was assigned to the USS Richard B. Anderson, DD- 786. In January of 1957, Petty Officer Hegwood was assigned to Camp David at Thermont, Maryland during the administration of President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Petty Officer Hegwood was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Navy Good Conduct Medal and Navy China Service Medal. Petty Officer Hegwood was honorably discharged from the Naval Service in April of 1958. |