Born Dec 1920 in KY. Both his parents died before he reached the age of 4. He was raised by his grandparents. He enlisted in the Army (infantry) in the late 1930's and spent time working with the CCC. He worked at the Lake Washington Shipyard (Seattle, WA) shortly before enlisting in the Army Air Corps. He flew 17 of his 25 combat missions with Lt/Captain Joseph Kane as his pilot or copilot. Billy flew on the 14 Oct 1943 Schweinfurt II mission with Lt/Captain Joseph Kane. He reenlisted and was still serving when the AAF became the USAF. Post war he qualified as a remote control gunner for service on B-29. Army Service Number 39179671. Post war he mostly lived in Duncan, Oklahoma. Billy passed in Stillwater, OK in 1991 and was cremated. The disposition of his ashes are unknown and no grave site for him has been found but rhe search goes on.