World War II Honoree

Richard J. Willmitch

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Youngstown, Ohio

Honored By

Thomas R. Willmitch

Relationship

Son

RICHARD WILLMITCH ENLISTED IN THE U.S. ARMY IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE JAPANESE ATTACK ON PEARL HARBOR IN 1941. WILLMITCH FIRST SERVED IN THE 82ND AIRBORNE DIVISION AND LATER IN THE 101ST AIRBORNE. RISING TO THE EVENTUAL RANK OF CAPTAIN IN THE 101ST AIRBORNE’S 372ND ENGINEER REGIMENT, WILLMITCH SAW COMBAT IN NORTH AFRICA AND THROUGHOUT EUROPE, INCLUDING IN ITALY, FRANCE AND GERMANY. IN ADDITION TO TWO PURPLE HEARTS, WILLMITCH WAS AWARDED THE SILVER STAR FOR VALOR DURING THE FIGHTING IN BASTOGNE DURING THE BATTLE OF THE BULGE.