- SURNAME
Lilly
- FORENAME
Willard Jack Dempsey
- UNIT
- RANK
Private First Class + Sergeant
- NUMBER
06944198
- AWARD
Distinguished Service Cross, Bronze Star, Purple Heart
- PLACE
Burma 1944
- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
from Odd, Raleigh County, West Virginia
born 25.7.1919 Odd, Raleigh County, West Virginia
son of Levi and Minnie Ellen (nee Bolen) Lilly
2 years high school
hatchery man in civilian life
16.10.1940 draft card Besoco, West Virginia
WIA 23.6.1944 Burma
475 Infantry Regiment 1944-45
12.06.1945 draft card Cincinnati, Ohio
re-enlisted 2.11.1945 Huntington, West Virginia (Technician Fifth Class Infantry)
achieved rank of Sergeant
08.11.1948 discharged
1953 married Wanda Sue (nee Moore)
4 children (John M., Janet L., Jeffrey R., Joyce G.)
last residence Odd, West Virginia
died 1.8.1985 (Aged 80)
Jenny Cole Cemetery, Odd, Raleigh County, West Virginia
CITATION:
Distinguished Service Cross : The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Private First Class Willard J. D. Lilly (ASN: 6944198), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Task Force Galahad, 5307 Composite Unit (Provisional), in action against enemy forces on 14 June 1944, in Burma. Private First Class Lilly was in charge of a heavy machinegun squad which was receiving heavy enemy fire from a well-concealed enemy machine gun position. Unable to answer fire, with his platoon sergeant, he crawled out of the perimeter into murderous enemy machinegun cross-fire. After his platoon sergeant was severely wounded, he continued to advance into the enemy position and succeeded in destroying the machinegun and crew with hand grenades and pistol. Private First Class Lilly's intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
WEB LINKS:
https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/31805FINDAGRAVE:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/208053415/willard-jack_dempsey-lilly
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