World War II Honoree

William R. Perkins, Sr.

Branch of Service

U.S. Merchant Marine

Hometown

Norfolk, Virginia

Honored By

Hazel Brown

Relationship

Wife

During WWII served as a Merchant Marine sailing the North Atlantic on Esso, later Exxon tankers. Participated in the Southern France invasion; performed shuttle runs in Trinidad and Nova Scotia; Made port in Naples and Casablanca; often unescorted and unprotected. Merchant supply ships were easy targets for German U-Boats and many seaman gave their lives supporting the war effort.