World War II Honoree

William J. Pappas

Branch of Service

U.S. Army Air Force

Hometown

New York, New York

Honored By

Betty Pappas

Relationship

Wife

ENTERED SERVICE OCTOBER 1942 AND WAS HONORABLY DISCHARGED IN MAY 1945 AS A TECHNICAL SERGEANT. SERVED WITH THE 8TH AIR FORCE, 351ST BOMB GROUP AS A RADIO OPERATOR OF THE B-17 'FLYING FORTRESS' IN THE EUROPEAN THEATRE. SHOT DOWN OVER SWINFORD, GERMANY ATTEMPTING HIS 16TH MISSION. BECAME A POW AT A STALAG 4 AND BLACK MARCH. ATTEMPTED TO ESCAPE AND WAS RECAPTURED AND PLACED ON A FARM WITH JEWISH HOLOCAUST PRISONERS. LIBERATED AFTER GERMANY CAPITULATED. RECEIVED THE PURPLE HEART, AIR MEDAL WITH 2 OAK LEAF CLUSTERS, GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL, POW MEDAL.