World War II Honoree

William J. Yorko

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Armstrong County, Pennsylvania

Honored By

Orville L. Kline

RANK: PRIVATE. HE WAS INDUCTED INTO THE ARMY APRIL 19, 1939 AT ARMSTRONG, PENNSYLVANIA. AFTER PARATROOPER TRAINING, HE SERVED WITH B-COMPANY, 1ST BATTALION, 506TH PARACHUTE INFANTRY REGIMENT, 101ST AIRBORNE ‘SCREAMING EAGLES’ DIVISION. PARTICIPATED IN THE INVASION OF HOLLAND, CODE NAME: OPERATION MARKET GARDEN. HE DIED FRIDAY, OCTOBER 6, 1944 OF WOUNDS SUFFERED IN COMBAT BY GERMAN ARTILLERY SHELLING DURING THE FIERCE BATTLE OF OPHEUSDEN. HE IS BURIED IN THE NETHERLANDS AMERICAN CEMETERY LOCATED AT MARGRATEN, NETHERLANDS. DECORATION AND CITATION: AWARDED THE PURPLE HEART WITH 1 OAK LEAF CLUSTER FOR HIS SUPREME SACRIFICE IN DEFENSE OF HIS COUNTRY.