The ceremony in the City Hall, where World War II veteran William Campbell was honored as the city’s 2008 Veteran of the Year, Voutour said.
Bill is a veteran of World War II, where he earned several military decorations including the Purple Heart, Air Medal (3 Oak Leaf Clusters), Good Conduct Medal, and European-African-Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon.
Bill volunteered for military service at 18 years old and served with distinction as a Gunner in the European Theater of World War II. It was during a mission with the 8thArmy Air Corps aboard a B-24 Liberator that Bill was wounded by enemy anti-aircraft fire on 12 October 1944. In addition to seeing combat action in the European Theater with the 458th and 466th Bomb Groups, Bill was also stationed in Florida, Utah, and Kansas.
After receiving an honorable discharge, Bill returned to Massachusetts and worked as a jet engine developer with General Electric.
Bill also returned to England many times, always making it a point to get some fish and chips. Bill was an avid member of the 8th Air Force Historical Society and a supporter of the Massachusetts Chapter of the Disabled American Veterans organization.
