TEC5 William E. Williams 11-15-1944
US ARMY WWII
90th Infantry Division | KIA: 11/15/1944 | Lorraine American Cemetery and Memorial Lorraine, France
Plot J. Row 19. Grave 14, St. Avold France, US. Military Cemetery has been Williams' address since November 1944. The 37 year old farm boy from Granbury, Texas was inducted into the US. Army in 1942 in the 3rd Battalion, 358th Infantry Regiment, 90th Infantry Division. From his letters home which all began with "Hello Ma, and everyone. I am still OK" you can gather that he, like most who have gone off to war, dreamed of simpler times. Tending cattle, fishing the Brazos, and seeing a gal from Weatherford. His dream was to return to a life of normalcy... but William E. Williams never got that chance
William's number one focus was on his mission and the soldiers around him. On October 4th, 1944 Williams was awarded the Silver Star. While serving as a combat medic attached to an Infantry Company. An excerpt taken from this congratulatory letter reads "This enlisted man, while serving with the Army of the United States, distinguished himself by gallantry in action which reflects the highest credit upon himself and the Armed forces of the United States."Williams writes of his earning of the Silver Star in a letter to his folks dated October 22, 1944. He States " I have been awarded the Silver Star of Valor. Will close goodbye to everyone." This was his last letter home.
With heavy enemy fire all around him, Williams braved the hailstorm of bullets to perform his duties as a medical aid man, but was struck with enemy small arms fire. His death was quick, but not in vain. Tech 5 William E. Williams was killed in action on November 15th, 1944 in Elzange, France. On December 3rd, 1944 Williams' parents received this telegram stating.
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Williams:
It is with great regret that I am writing to confirm the recent telegram informing you of the death of your son, Technician Fifth Grade William E. Williams, Medical Department, who was killed in action on 15 November 1944 in France. I fully understand your desire to learn as much as possible regarding the circumstances leading to his death... I know the sorrow this message has brought you and if is my hope that in time the knowledge of his heroic service to his country, even unto death, may be sustaining comfort to you. I extend to you my deepest sympathy. Sincerely yours,
J. A. Ulio, Major General, The Adjutant General."
