World War II Honoree

William Eugene Phelps, Sr.

Branch of Service

U.S. Army Air Force

Hometown

Oxnard, California

Honored By

Phillip J. Crom

Relationship

Grandson

BILL PHELPS WAS A PILOT DURING WWII, FLYING MANY MISSIONS OVER ENEMY TERRITORY DURING THE ATLANTIC CAMPAIGN. CAPTAIN PHELPS DIED AFTER THE END OF THE CONFLICT IN EUROPE HAD ENDED, ON A RETURN FLIGHT TO THE U.S. WITH A PLANE LOAD OF TROOPS. THE PLANE WAS DESTROYED MID-AIR AND THERE WERE NO SURVIVORS. HE RECEIVED POSTHUMOUSLY, THE SILVER STAR, THE PURPLE HEART, AND SEVERAL OTHER MEDALS.