William (Bill) Frickel - Private to Staff Sergeant.

Served with distinction in the Hq1 81mm Mortar Platoon from October 20, 1942 to October 1945. Bill functioned as chief of the wire section, one of the most critical and hazardous jobs in the platoon.  

Bill Frickel is a distinguished member of the “Greatest of the Greatest Generation.” 

Bill Frickel established and maintained the integrity of the ground communication lines (wires) connecting the Mortar Platoon Forward Observers and the Mortar Platoon Fire Direction Center. He performed this function with diligence and efficiency, at no time was the network disrupted for an inordinate period.

Bill’s outstanding efforts contributed immeasurably to the continuity of the mortar and artillery fire support provided the first battalion and adjacent front line units. 

Bill Frickel was the quietest man in Hq1. His assured response to any question, activity, or event was simply "Yep.”  Bill’s contribution to this album was equally modest, leaving any revelation concerning his combat experience and heroic actions to someone else. Accordingly, Bill's WW II comrades willingly provided information for this summary. 

Bill Frickel says. 

“In September 1942, the United States Government called me.  On October 1, I was on my way to a reception center in Salt Lake City, Utah. 

At the reception center, during one of many formations we were told to stay behind when the formation was dismissed, if we were interested in joining the parachute troops. I thought I was interested and stayed to hear more.

The Sergeant told us about the paratroopers. He said paratroopers got the best food, they did not walk much, and that they were paid $50.00 for each jump. This sounded good to me and I volunteered.

Three days later, I was on a train going to Camp Blanding, Florida. We got off the train somewhere in Florida, lined up, and got on trucks that took us to Camp Blanding.

After weeks of basic infantry training, and parachute school physical training - with countless long runs (often twice a day), lots of marching, no passes, and fair food, we moved to Fort Benning, Georgia, and the parachute school.