World War II Honoree

William A. Hawkins, Jr.

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Mebane, North Carolina

Honored By

Michael A. Hawkins

Relationship

Son

ENLISTED JANUARY 4, 1940. ASSIGNED TO 21ST INFANTRY REGIMENT, 24TH DIVISION, SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, HAWAII DURING THE ATTACK ON PEARL HARBOR. COMMISSIONED 2ND LIEUTENANT UPON COMPLETION OF OFFICER CANDIDATE SCHOOL (OCS) ON DECEMBER 14, 1942. ENTERED COMBAT WITH THE 36TH TEXAS INFANTRY DIVISION, 141ST INFANTRY REGIMENT AT PAPARELLA, ITALY ON MARCH 6, 1944. PARTICIPATED IN LIBERATION OF ROME AND THEN THE INVASION OF SOUTHERN FRANCE. ENDED WAR AS PART OF OCCUPATION FORCES IN SOUTHERN GERMANY NEAR FUSSEN. RECEIVED 2 SILVER STARS, 1 BRONZE STAR, 4 PURPLE HEARTS, PEARL HARBOR MEDAL AND COMBAT INFANTRYMAN BADGE.