McClelland had learned to play the trombone at High School and was good enough to be offered a scholarship at Oberlin Conservatory of Music which he took up in the summer of 1942. In February 1943 - toting his trombone and an Aviation Cadet - he was inducted into the Air Corps. He then progressed through the various stages of aircrew training and was eventually crewed up on the B-24. Assigned to the 491st at North Pickenham they shipped over in December 1944. Soon after his arrival he was invited to play with the 'Rythmn Bombshells' henceforth spending most of his off-duty hours providing dance music all over Norfolk. He did not keep a diary of his combat missions but some stood out e.g.the low altitude mission to supply troops in the Battle of the Bulge. Also the 'trolley' missions post VE Day. William afterwards trained for the ministry, and shared his thoughts via Ringmasters for many years.