World War II Honoree

William Francis Heavey

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Fort McPherson, Georgia

Honored By

Pearl Thomas

As Brigadier General, he became commander of the 2nd Engineer Amphibian Brigade on August 8, 1942. In January 1943, they arrived in the South West Pacific Area. They participated in 82 amphibious operations. He was wounded in the New Guinea campaign and in the Battle of Leyte. His brigade participated in the Occupation of Japan from September to December 1945. Received the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Commendation Ribbon, and Purple Heart with two oak leaf clusters.