World War II Honoree

William M. "Bill" Pekrul

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Honored By

Pearl Thomas

Relationship

A Grateful American

He enlisted in the US Army in 1943. Assigned to the 29th Infantry and 116th Infantry Regiment and trained in England for the D-Day invasion. On June 6, 1944 he was in the second wave that landed on Omaha Beach on a Higgins landing craft. He fought in Normandy for 42 days and after becoming ill, he was sent back to England for medical leave. Returned to France and was reassigned to the 75th Infantry. Went through Holland and fought in Belgium at the Battle of the Bulge and suffered from frostbite. Hospitalized and returned to combat. Crossed the Rhine River and fought to Dortmund, Germany. On May 8, 1945 after the surrender, he stayed in Dortmund as a occupier. Discharged in 1946. Received the Silver Star, Bronze Star and French Legion of Honor.