William T Whittaker was a pilot with the 509th Bomb Squadron of the 351st Bomb Group. He flew 41 missions between 17 October 1944 and 26 March 1945.

His cousin Betty: "I have one of his stories I got a kick out of. Bill was shot down twice, the first time over Belgium. Bill was terrified of heights so he rode the plane down both times. A group of Belgium farmers found them. A member of Bill's crew could speak French so they were able to communicate a little. They were taken to a nearby Inn where they were hidden in the attic for 10 days."

"On the 10th day the Inn Keeper stuck his head up into the attic saying "British coming, British coming". Bill ran down to the middle of the road and flagged them down. When he was taken to the leader he explained who he was, what had happened, asked for a ride into Brussels and offered identification to prove who he was. The leader told him he didn't need any identification "only a crazy American would flag down an invading army and ask for a ride". It was a Canadian Army, not British as the Inn Keeper thought, so they were quite familiar with Americans. Sorry, I don't know what mission this happened on. Just remember how upset everyone was when Bill was reported MIA."

Bill stayed in the Air Force after the war ended until he retired in 1962. He then went back to school and after receiving his degree, he worked for NASA for a short time. He later returned to Texas and the air force base where he had completed his 20 years.

In his cousin Betty's words: "Bill was so proud of his service. Many years ago he was able to return to his old airbase for a reunion and it was the highlight of his life."

From a letter written by Colonel William H. Van Marter on 11 June 1963:
"Major William T Whittaker, USAF, AO-757350, served under my direct supervision from 15 December 1960 to 31 May 1963. I rate him among the top three percent of all officers I have known during twenty-two years of service."

"I found his character to be above reproach in all respects. He demonstrated a high degree of educability. He absorbs complex information quickly and possesses a remarkably retentive mind."