World War II Honoree

William 'Bill' Alvin Etchason

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Flora, Illinois

Honored By

Robert M. Gatewood

Relationship

Friend

INDUCTED ON DECEMBER 23, 1944. AFTER ATTENDING BASIC TRAINING AND ENGINEERING SERVICE SCHOOL HE WAS ASSIGNED TO THE USS CALOOSAHATCHEE AO-98. THIS SHIP WAS A TANKER IN THE SERVICE FORCE OF THE ATLANTIC FLEET THAT TRANSPORTED OIL AND REFUELED SHIPS AT SEA. OPERATIONS FROM THE GULF OF MEXICO TO ICELAND AND GREENLAND IN THE NORTH ATLANTIC IN THE AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS. HE WAS HONORABLY DISCHARGED AS A FIREMAN 1ST CLASS AND RETURNED HOME ON JULY 4, 1946.