World War II Honoree

William J. 'Dub' Collier

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Whitharral, Texas

Honored By

Danny Jones

SERVED AS A PRIVATE 1ST CLASS WITH THE 80th Infantry Division in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 7 February 1945 in Germany. He accidentally pulled the pin of a grenade on his belt. Realizing that he could not throw it far enough to keep from endangering others, he grasped the grenade in both hands and between his legs, utterly disregarding his own life. The explosion broke his leg and blew off both hands. His courage, consideration for his fellow soldiers, and supreme devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army. AWARDED THE SILVER STAR FOR HIS GALLANTRY IN ACTION.