Maine

US Army/Air Force- B29 73rd Bomb Wing

Staff Sergeant William Joseph

Billy was born in 1919 in Lawrence MA.  His family moved to Maine when he was one year old. He graduated from Lawrence High in 1939. Billy worked at Bath Iron Works for three years and joined the Air Force in 1943. He attended Clemson College CTD and joined a B29 crew as a radar opporator and Gunner. Billy flew 26 mission out of Saipan that took 20 hours and had many close calls.  Warren Jones and Billy walked the Bomb Bay Cat walk to release a hung up bomb without parachutes. Thirty B29's were lost over Tokoyo.  Billy received Distinguished Flying Cross and five Air Medal Clusters.  
 

Billy returned home and married Frances Thomas and had four daughters, all college graduates. He built two successful businesses.  He was the owner of Joseph's Outlet, a local sport goods retailer.  Billy has received a 62 year citation and a 50 year American Legion and VFW member. He continues to serve his community as a 63 year member of the Kiwanis Club and past president.  

Each person who serves our great country is a hero in our eyes.