World War II Honoree

William Jennings Wallace

Branch of Service

U.S. Marine Corps

Hometown

Church Hill, Maryland

Honored By

Pearl Thomas

He was present at the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and participated in the defense of Ewa Field. Commanded Marine Aircraft Group 22 at Midway Atoll. Became commanding officer of Marine Aircraft Group 23 and led them in the Guadalcanal Campaign where he was wounded. Appointed chief of staff of the Marine Fleet Air, West Coast based at San Diego, California. Transferred to Naval Station Pearl Harbor, where he as appointed Chief of Staff of Aircraft, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific. Transferred back to the Pacific Theater and assumed command of Air Defense Command and Fighter Command within Tactical Air Force, Tenth Army. He participated in the Battle of Okinawa went ashore and directed the air operations against the enemy. Units under his command destroyed over 500 enemy's aircraft. Received the Legion of Merit with Combat 'V', Bronze Star Medal with Combat 'V', Purple Heart, American Campaign, American Defense Service Medal with Base Clasp, Navy Distinguished Service Medal, Navy Presidential Unit Citation with two stars, WWII Victory Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with three service stars, and Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal with two stars.