Bill was already in the Air Corps training to be a mechanic when the Japanese struck at Pearl Harbour. Nine months later he boarded the 'Queen Mary' - along with 14000 others - and sailed for England where he was given the job of crew chief on a B-17 at Molesworth; each of his team of four being responsible for one engine. As each aircraft returned from a mission a post-flight inspection was carried out and the plane immediately prepared for the next flight. During his time at Molesworth Bill went through 7 aircraft, either lost in combat or retired 'battle-weary';one of his planes 'Bonnie B' Flew 93 missions with only 7 aborts. Post war Bill obtained a degree in Industrial Engineering followed by a Masters in Professional Management. He was involved in America's first space flights, then taught Systems Engineering at Rock Island Arsenal before his retirement in 1986.