William Whiting

William Whiting was an English poet and hymnist, best known for his 1860 hymn Eternal Father, Strong to Save. The hymn was used by the Royal Navy for church services and was later adopted by the U.S. Navy as well. The hymn is featured in the 24 season 5 finale. A Marine Corps band performs it at David Palmer's memorial ceremony while Palmer's casket is carried to its military transport.

Whiting was born in Kensington, England and educated at Chapham and Winchester College, later becoming master of the Winchester College Choristers' School. He published two collections of poetry, Rural Thoughts (1851) and Edgar Thorpe, or the Warfare of Life (1867).