World War II Honoree

William Cherry, Jr.

Branch of Service

U.S. Army Air Force

Hometown

Abilene, Texas

Honored By

Ralph Bozorth

CAPTAIN AND PILOT OF B-17 THAT DEPARTED FROM HAWAII OCTOBER 21, 1942 BOUND FOR CANTON ISLAND ABOUT 1,800 MILS TO THE SOUTHWEST. ABOARD WAS EDWARD VERNON “EDDIE” RICKENBACKER, WHOSE MISSION WAS TO EVALUATE AND REPORT ON THE STATUS OF U.S. ARMY AIR FORCES COMBAT UNITS STATIONED IN PACIFIC THEATRE. ITINERARY INCLUDED VISITS TO AUSTRALIA, NEW GUINEA AND GUADALCANAL. PLANE RAN OUT OF FUEL AND HAD TO MAKE AN EMERGENCY LANDING IN THE OCEAN. AFTER 21 DAYS ADRIFT HE WAS RESCUED.