World War II Honoree

William Robert Betke

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Evanston, Illinois

Honored By

Family

SERVED AS A DRIVER (TECHNICIAN 4TH GRADE) WITH COMPANY C, 759TH TANK BATTALION (LIGHT). LANDED AT OMAHA BEACH ON JUNE 11TH AS PART OF SOME OF THE FIRST TANKS TO CROSS THE VIRE RIVER BRIDGE. PARTICIPATED IN THE BATTLE OF THE HUERTGEN FOREST, THE RHINELAND, AND ENDED OPERATIONS IN GERMANY. ATTACHED TO 3RD ARMORED, AS WELL AS SERVING WITH THE 4TH RECONNAISSANCE AND VII CORP. RECEIVED A PURPLE HEART FOR ACTION IN THE BATTLES FOR ST.LO, AS WELL AS A GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL.