World War II Honoree

William S. Florek

Branch of Service

U.S. Marine Corps

Hometown

Buffalo, New York

Honored By

Clement J. Pacyna

Relationship

Brother-in-law

HE ENLISTED ON JUNE 2, 1942 AND HONORABLY DISCHARGED ON OCTOBER 12, 1945. HE SERVED WITH THE STATION COMPLIMENT AND WAS ASSIGNED AS A SECURITY GUARD IN THE DEFENSE OF THE PANAMA CANAL AGAINST SABOTAGE FROM AUGUST 15, 1942 TO NOVEMBER 19, 1944. HE ALSO PROVIDED PERSONAL SAFETY OF THE SHIP PILOTS ESCORTING TROOP, SUPPLY AND NAVAL SHIPS GOING THROUGH THE LOCKS OF THE PANAMA CANAL TO THE PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS, WHICH WAS OF PARAMOUNT IMPORTANCE TO THE WAR EFFORT. HE WAS AWARDED THE AMERICAN CAMPAIGN SERVICE MEDAL AND WWII VICTORY MEDAL. HE CONTRIBUTED GREATLY AND WAS A VALUABLE ASSET TO HIS UNIT, REFLECTING NOTABLE CREDIT UPON HIMSELF, HIS UNIT AND THE UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS.