May 12, 1924 (Port Chester, NY) – December 29, 1944; 20 years old
Married to Flora Virginia Hess (1913-1989) of Bridgeport, Ohio on May 17, 1944
Last local address: 10 Beauford Road, Norwalk
Enlisted March 4, 1943
Service number: 31326885
Unit: 386th Bombardment Group, 553rd Bombardment Squadron
Family information was difficult to find. In the 1930 and 1940 census, William lived with his grandmother, Catherine Kraft (1869-?).
Crew member on a Martin B-26G Marauder serial #44-67827 crashed into a hill near Neuilly, France on returning to base December 29, 1944. Other crew were
Pilot, 2d Lt Robert Wayne “Rabbit” Bledsoe; Vanndale, AR
Crew Chief, Sergeant Frederick Jesse Beadle; Butte, MT
Radioman, Sgt Charles J. Huling; Watertown, WI
Mechanic, Sgt Lionel G. Aguirre; Ozona, TX
Sergeant William Joseph O’Donnell; Norwalk, CT
On a plaque dedicated the 386th Bomb Group in Bernes-sur-Oise, France
386TH BOMB GROUP (M)
NINTH AIR FORCE
UNITED STATES ARMY AIR FORCES
MARTIN B-26 MARAUDER DOUGLAS A-26 INVADER
IN MEMORY OF THOSE GALLANT MEN WHO MADE
THE SUPREME SACRIFICE AND OF THEIR COMRADES WHO
SURVIVED COMBAT OPERATIONS FROM AAF STATION A-60,
THE PERSAN-BEAUMONT AIRPORT
OCTOBER 2, 1944 – APRIL 9, 1945
AND IN TRIBUTE TO THE STRENGTH, COURAGE
AND RESISTANCE OF THE CITIZENS OF THE AREA
WHO EXPERIENCED THE HORRORS OF WAR
DEDICATED OCTOBER 2, 1994
There are 60 names on plaque #3 to include the entire crew of B-26G #44-67827.
Google Maps link: https://goo.gl/maps/ybYGXuGheKNZohC5A
Buried at Long Island National Cemetery, East Farmingdale, New York; Plot K, Grave 17301
END
Honor Norwalk CT veterans 