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FIRST LIEUTENANT
WILLIAM T. WILLIAMS born in NJ on 1919, He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Harry J. Williams,
of 903 Somerset Street, Gloucester City NJ. He grew up in Gloucester
City, and was a graduate of Gloucester Catholic High School. After high
school he assisted his father, who had a plumbing business.
William T. Williams
enlisted in the United States Army air corps on January 23, 1942 at
Trenton NJ. He won his wings and
received his commission, along with Frank W. White of Pennsauken NJ, at
Moody Field in Valdosta GA, in January of 1943. He was the first
resident of Gloucester City to qualify for flight duty. Flying B-25
Mitchell bombers with the 447th Bomber Squadron, 321st Bomber Group,
Medium, William T. Williams flew numerous missions, including one against German forces
in Athens, Greece, for which the 447th was awarded a Distinguished Unit
Citation.
The 447th Bomber
Squadron moved from an airfield at Grottaglie, Italy to one at Amendola,
Italy around November 25, 1943. On his 53rd mission, December
3rd, 1943, the B-25 which Lt. Williams was flying went down, killing
him. Only 25 at the time of his death, he had been previously
recommended for promotion to Captain. His body was recovered, and he is
buried in Italy.
William
T. Williams was survived by his parents, four brothers serving in the
Armed Forces, and his fiancé, Miss Jean Lacy, of Woodbury NJ. He was
reported as missing in action, as reported in the January 14, 1944
edition of the Camden Courier-Post. His death
was reported in the Courier on August 21, 1944. |
