Born and raised in Kingston he received an associate degree from Bucknell Junior College. Serving 28 years with the active Air Reserve he had trained as a civilian pilot and, while training with the USAAF, Maxwell Field, Alabama, he was one of 15 cadets chosen to train with the RAF. Training at Riddle Field, Clewiston, with 5 British Flying Training School, he was awarded best flying cadet in class and at graduation received his RAF wings from a British general.

Later he received his USAF wings and was trained to fly combat planes. He then flew flying boats having gained his Navy wings. Stationed in the Pacific, where he flew Air Sea Rescue, he was known as “Three Wing Willie” as he was one of very few to have earned three sets of wings!

Bill Cushner was David Richard C Blackhall, “Blackie’s”, room-mate at No 5 BFTS and his autograph in the 5 BFTS year book reads “To a helluva swell roommate “Blackie” – get a “109” for me”.