World War II Honoree

John Richard Williams

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Campbellsville, Kentucky

Honored By

Louie & Audrey Gruntz

Relationship

Friends

TANK COMMANDER OF AN M-4 SHERMAN TANK WITH B COMPANY OF THE 712TH TANK BATTALION IN THE EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS. HE HELD THE RANK OF SERGEANT AND LANDED WITH THE BATTALION IN NORMANDY AT UTAH BEACH ON JUNE 28, 1944. WHEN THE BATTALION WAS ATTACHED TO THE 90TH INFANTRY, 3RD ARMY UNDER COMMAND OF GENERAL GEORGE PATTON, HE FOUGHT IN THE CAMPAIGNS OF NORTHERN FRANCE AND ARDENNES. HE WAS KILLED IN ACTION ON JANUARY 10, 1945 DURING THE ATTACK ON HILL 490 IN LUXEMBOURG DURING THE BATTLE OF THE BULGE. HE WAS AWARDED THE BRONZE STAR AND PURPLE HEART.