World War II Honoree

William F. Close

Branch of Service

U.S. Coast Guard

Hometown

Waterloo, Iowa

Honored By

Eleanor

Relationship

Loving Wife

SERVED IN THE PACIFIC ABOARD THE USS CENTAURUS AKA-17 AS BOAT OFFICER. THE SHIP WAS AWARDED 6 BATTLE STARS AND WAS CREDITED WITH DOWNING 2 KAMIKAZE PLANES. SHE PARTICIPATED IN AMPHIBIOUS ASSAULTS ON KWAJALEIN ATOLL, MARSHALL ISLANDS; AITAPE, NEW GUINEA; AGAT REEF, GUAM; LOS NEGROES, PELELIU AND OKINAWA ISLANDS. HE WAS AWARDED THE AMERICAN CAMPAIGN MEDAL, WWII VICTORY MEDAL, ASIATIC-PACIFIC CAMPAIGN MEDAL WITH 6 BATTLE STARS, NAVY COMMENDATION MEDAL AND THE COMBAT ACTION RIBBON.