World War II Honoree

William R. 'Bill' Parsons

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Pateros, Washington

Honored By

Blanche Wagg & LTC Charles T. Borg, USA-Ret.

JOINED ARMY IN AUGUST 1943. SERVED 14 MONTHS WITH 1384TH ENGINEER PETROLEUM DISTRIBUTION COMPANY IN THE SOUTH PACIFIC. RESPONSIBLE FOR KEEPING PLANES FLYING AS U.S. FORCES ADVANCED TO RECAPTURE THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS, OKINAWA AND TO PREPARE FOR THE INVASION OF JAPAN. SAW ACTION AT ORO BAY, MILNE BAY, AND HOLLANDIA, NEW GUINEA, THE MOLUCCA ISLANDS AND LUZON IN THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS. RECEIVED COMMENDATIONS FROM COMMANDING GENERAL, 13TH AIR FORCE FOR OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE IN HELPING TO PREVENT CRITICAL SHORTAGE OF AVIATION GASOLINE AT A TIME WHEN IT WAS VITALLY NEEDED IN THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS. DISCHARGED IN 1945 HOLDING THE RANK OF SERGEANT. AWARDED GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL, ASIATIC-PACIFIC THEATER MEDAL WITH 2 BRONZE BATTLE STARS, WWII VICTORY MEDAL, PHILIPPINE LIBERATION MEDAL WITH BRONZE STAR AND MARKSMANSHIP MEDALS FOR RIFLE, CARBINE AND PISTOL.