William Evans

“I have fond memories of family cookouts and gatherings at my Great Uncle Bill’s farm, where my six siblings and I could run and explore. We loved to go into the barn to see all the ‘farm history’ from years gone by. While Uncle Bill and Aunt Mid didn’t have children, they showered us with love and affection. Unfortunately, Uncle Bill passed away at 59. Aunt Mid, however, lived to be 86.”

– Pam Corey, mother of Evan Corey, student

William Evans, remembered by his niece, Pam Corey

Staff Sergeant William Evans was a decorated turret gunner with the 432nd Bomb Squadron, 17th Bomb Group, Army Air Corps.

William Evans’ active duty as a turret gunner was from April 27, 1943, through December 12, 1945. I have been told by family members that he was in a “bubble” in the belly of the fuselage of the airplane and used a machine gun. His highest rank was staff sergeant. He was assigned to the 432nd Bomb Squadron, 17th Bomb Group. Decorations and awards received were an Honorable Service Lapel Button, the World War II Victory Medal, and three Distinguished Unit Citations: Italy 1/13/1944, and Schweinfurt, Germany 4/10/1945; French Croix de Guerre with Palm: April, May, and June 1944.