World War II Honoree

William Joseph White

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Joes, Colorado

Honored By

Orville L. Kline

Relationship

Friend

Rank: Seaman Second Class. He was inducted into the United States Navy April 15, 1942, at Denver, Colorado with Basic Military Training at the U.S. Naval Training Station San Diego, California. Upon his graduation from Boot Camp and along with any additional training; he was transferred to the USS Preston Destroyer V (DD-379) for duty. Saturday, November 14, 1942 the USS Preston with her Shipmate’s, along with an Armada of U. S. Warships arrived off the coastal shores of Guadalcanal Island and intercepted an Imperial Japanese Naval Fleet. This Fleet was moving down the "Slot" to bombard Henderson Field Location: Southwester Pacific Theater of Operations. Tuesday, November 16, 1942, the USS Preston was struck by a salvo of heavy, shelling from a Japanese Cruiser. The order was given to abandon ship, and she went down into the deep waters, due to explosions from on board powder fires. He was reported “Missing-in-Action” or Buried at Sea along with his gallant crew members, gone without a trace and will “Remain on Eternal Patrol”. In remembrance of the brave, his name is permanently inscribed in the tablets of the missing, memorialized at Manila American Cemetery and Memorial Location: Fort Bonifacio, Manila, Philippines. In his Memory, this American Patriot was awarded the Purple Heart posthumously for his Heroism, and ultimate sacrifice. He served his Country with Pride and Honor.