 William
(Bill) Gene Robertson, 82, of Apache Junction, AZ., passed away September
30th, 2004, after a long battle with cancer.
Bill was born in Davenport, Iowa, on December 29, 1921.
His early years were defined by his service for his country. In 1939,
at age 17, Bill joined the Iowa National Guard. His devotion to duty
was displayed with his service in the 818th Tank Destroyer Battalion
and Motorcycle Squad. This culminated with his volunteering for the
Army's Parachute Infantry in 1942.
As a member of the 508th P.I.R. of the 82nd Airborne Division, Bill
made combat jumps in Normandy, France and Holland and he fought in the
Battle of the Bulge. For his efforts, Bill was awarded two Purple Hearts
and the Bronze Star.
Bill is survived by his wife of 57 years, Mary; daughters Mary Jo Barie
and Kathleen Jensen; sons Daniel, Gary and Thomas; 10 grandchildren
and 1 great grandchild. Bill is also survived by his sister, Mary Lou
Robertson.
Memorial Mass will be held at St. George's Catholic Church, 300 E.
16th Avenue, Apache Junction, AZ., on Friday, October 15th at 11:00
A.M. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Banner Hospice,
7231 E. Broadway, Mesa, AZ 85208. Interment will be later at the Veterans
National Memorial Cemetery of Phoenix. Apache Junction Mortuary handled
the arrangements
[Arizona Republic, Phoenix, AA, 09 Oct 2004, Sat, First
Edition, Page 46]
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(courtesy of DeLoss McKnight III )
State of Iowa WWII Veterans
Bonus application and grave marker for William G. Robertson in Section
60, Site 1132 in the National Memorial Cemetery Of Arizona, Phoenix
(Maricopa county), Arizona.
William enlisted in the
Iowa National Guard, 113th Cavalry at Camp Bowie, TN on 13 January 1941.
He was activated and shipped overseas on 20 September 1944.
After arriving in the
ETO Pfc Robertson joined with Company F, 508th PIR.
On 1 October 1944 Pfc
Robertson was wounded in action in Holland and evacuated. His
name was removed from company rolls on 2 January 1945 and he was transferred
to the hospital's Detachment of Patients.
On 7 February 1945 he
was transferred back to Company F from the 3rd Replacement Depot.
Twelve days later he was again hospitalized and transferred to the Detachment
of Patients as of 16 May 1945,
On 31 May 1945 Pfc Robertson
was transferred again to Company F, this time from the 6900th Reinforcement
Depot.
He was transferred to
the 513th PIR on 18 August 1945, probably for transportation to the
United States. He was released on 20 September 1945.
Although available records
did not indicate a promotion to corporal, that rank is shown on his
grave marker.
His military decorations
include the Purple Heart.
Om 18 May 1949, James submitted this application for the Iowa WWII
Veterans Bonus. He was credited with 56 months of active duty
and awarded the full $#500 bonus.
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