William E. Norton

William was sent to Fort Benjamin Harrison, Camp Barkley, TX (medic training). He was also stationed in Washington and Oregon working in Army hospitals before being sent to England, April 1944. William was wounded in action near the town of Ondenval, Belgium in January 16, 1945. On February 2, 1945, the family received a telegram stating that William had been seriously wounded in action. The family began preparing a bedroom in the house where he could be cared for on his return. February 6, 1945, another telegram came to the family home stating that William had died from wounds received in action. Family members were shocked that William had passed away on January 19th, William's 22nd birthday.

A kind, smart and outgoing person. William was the second child born to Lewis and Gladys (Swihart) Norton. There were 6 children - Clara (1921), William (1923), Robert (1924), Bonnie (1926), Stephen (1927) Gladys (1927). William was called "Bud" to all who knew him. He was an honor roll student while attending school. William liked and was competitive at baseball. Being in a large family, they would often hold their own baseball games. He was also a creative person that enjoyed pencil drawing in his spare time. Prior to the war he was employed as a painter at Huber Mfg. in Marion, OH., where they manufactured tractors and other heavy equipment. His father Lewis, also worked for Huber Mfg. He was drafted, but seemed to enjoy the military and was proud to be a Medic. He served stateside at Army hospitals in Washington & Oregon. William told his family that he wanted a transfer to combat duty, this request was granted and he was sent to England, April 1944.