World War II Honoree
World War II Veteran
William L. Birch
Branch of Service
U.S. Army Air Force
Hometown
Galexico, California
Honored By
Ralph Bozorth
HE WAS A 2ND LIEUTENANT AND THE BOMBARDIER ON THE 11TH B-25 BOMBER THAT TOOK OFF FROM THE AIRCRAFT CARRIER USS HORNET FOR THE DOOLITTLE RAID ON TOKYO, JAPAN APRIL 18, 1942. AFTER THE RAID ATTENDED PILOT TRAINING SCHOOLS AND GRADUATED FROM ADVANCED FLYING SCHOOL, LUBBOCK, TEXAS JUNE 1943. SEPARATED FROM SERVICE DECEMBER 7, 1945 AFTER VARIOUS U.S. ASSIGNMENTS. DECORATIONS INCLUDE DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS, CHINESE ARMY, NAVY AND AIR CORPS MEDAL, CLASS A, 1ST GRADE.