Dixieland Cruisers of Savannah, Ga (More Pictures of Bill)

Updated:

06/13/2003

V. William “Bill” Warner

Mr. Bill Warner died on Thursday, April 10, 2003, at Hospice of Savannah.

He was born in Murray, UT and had lived in Pooler for a number of years. When Mr. Bill was 12 years old he worked on the Hoover Dam. In 1942, he joined the Army and from 1943 to 1948 he was a member of the 303 Bomb Group of the 8^th Air Force and flew 23 combat missions over Europe where his position of the B-17 was flight engineer. On the return from missions, the pilot would sometimes let Mr. Bill fly the plane.

He suffered a head injury in 1944 and received the following medals and decorations: Air Medal, three clusters; Air Medal, Oak Leaf Bronze, large and small; Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with two Silver Service Stars, World War II Victory Medal, Korean Service Medal, Distinguished flying Cross, and seven combat ribbons. He flew in Vietnam as a private contractor.

After getting out of the service he was a self employed crop duster and later went to work for and later retired from Gulfstream Aerospace. Mr. Bill was a charter member of the Savannah Wing of the Georgia Chapter of the 8^th Air Force Historical Society which is now called Birthplace Chapter and was an active member of the Dixieland Cruisers Car Club.

He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Jean Warner, of Pooler, and several cousins.

“In later years, Mr. Bill shared with his friends how disappointed he was about not being allowed to fly anymore. Well, Mr. Bill, you may fly anytime you want to now.” (L. Creech, Clarksville, TN)

He was a fine man, with integrity and wisdom. We respected him and cared for him and will miss him.

Navigation Menu