Willie Howard Bishop was a decorated war hero during WWII - he received the Distinguished Silver Star for bravery beyond the Call of Duty by saving many men in his unit including his Commanding Officer in November 1944 - Dad was born in Aucilla, Florida - In later years he would move to Valdosta, Georgia with his Parents where he would meet my Mom, Louise Bishop - They would eventually marry and become Parents to Me and Three Brothers, Stanley, Raymond and Willie - they moved to Jacksonville and with the exception of me (being born in Macclenny) they were all born at St. Lukes Hospital - Dad and Mom never travelled much except for visits to Valdosta to visit his Parents - Other than St. Augustine I do not remember us going anywhere - However, Dad and Mom made a good life for us --
Willie H. Bishop
Date of birth: 17-Feb-21
Date of death: 1-Dec-75
Place of Birth: Aucilla, Florida
Home of record: Jacksonville, Florida
Awards and Citations
Distinguished Service Cross
See more recipients of this award
Awarded for actions during the World War II
(Citation Needed) - SYNOPSIS: Private Willie H. Bishop (ASN: 34445239), United States Army, was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company E, 377th Infantry Regiment, 95th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 25 November 1944. On that date, Company E, 377th Infantry, was advancing over open terrain toward Bois D'Ottonville, France, when, as a result of withering enemy mortar and machine-gun fire the Company Commander and thirty-one enlisted men became casualties. Private Bishop, company messenger, boldly seized the initiative and crawled to the rear to direct the remaining men away from the furious fire, and then fearlessly made his way forward to render first aid to his wounded commander. Skillfully perceiving the situation he contacted the Battalion Commander by radio, informed him of the location of the company and then coolly called for artillery and mortar support. He successfully directed the resulting fire upon enemy targets and then directed by radio, the laying of an effective smoke screen, under cover of which he personally evacuated the more seriously wounded and led the walking wounded to safety behind a knoll. After reporting to the battalion commander, Private Bishop then rejoined his company and continued in action. The outstanding initiative and cool-headed leadership repeatedly displayed by Private Bishop, his conspicuous heroism and his courageous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 95th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.
General Orders: Headquarters, Third U.S. Army, General Orders No. 2 (January 2, 1945)
Action Date: 25-Nov-44
Service: Army
Rank: Private
Company: Company E
Regiment: 377th Infantry Regiment
Division: 95th Infantry Division
Willie Howard Bishop was a decorated war hero during WWII - he received the Distinguished Silver Star for bravery beyond the Call of Duty by saving many men in his unit including his Commanding Officer in November 1944 - Dad was born in Aucilla, Florida - In later years he would move to Valdosta, Georgia with his Parents where he would meet my Mom, Louise Bishop - They would eventually marry and become Parents to Me and Three Brothers, Stanley, Raymond and Willie - they moved to Jacksonville and with the exception of me (being born in Macclenny) they were all born at St. Lukes Hospital - Dad and Mom never travelled much except for visits to Valdosta to visit his Parents - Other than St. Augustine I do not remember us going anywhere - However, Dad and Mom made a good life for us --
Willie H. Bishop
Date of birth: 17-Feb-21
Date of death: 1-Dec-75
Place of Birth: Aucilla, Florida
Home of record: Jacksonville, Florida
Awards and Citations
Distinguished Service Cross
See more recipients of this award
Awarded for actions during the World War II
(Citation Needed) - SYNOPSIS: Private Willie H. Bishop (ASN: 34445239), United States Army, was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company E, 377th Infantry Regiment, 95th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 25 November 1944. On that date, Company E, 377th Infantry, was advancing over open terrain toward Bois D'Ottonville, France, when, as a result of withering enemy mortar and machine-gun fire the Company Commander and thirty-one enlisted men became casualties. Private Bishop, company messenger, boldly seized the initiative and crawled to the rear to direct the remaining men away from the furious fire, and then fearlessly made his way forward to render first aid to his wounded commander. Skillfully perceiving the situation he contacted the Battalion Commander by radio, informed him of the location of the company and then coolly called for artillery and mortar support. He successfully directed the resulting fire upon enemy targets and then directed by radio, the laying of an effective smoke screen, under cover of which he personally evacuated the more seriously wounded and led the walking wounded to safety behind a knoll. After reporting to the battalion commander, Private Bishop then rejoined his company and continued in action. The outstanding initiative and cool-headed leadership repeatedly displayed by Private Bishop, his conspicuous heroism and his courageous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 95th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.
General Orders: Headquarters, Third U.S. Army, General Orders No. 2 (January 2, 1945)
Action Date: 25-Nov-44
Service: Army
Rank: Private
Company: Company E
Regiment: 377th Infantry Regiment
Division: 95th Infantry Division
Inscription
PFC US ARMY
WORLD WAR II