Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
William
Edward
Copeland
December 31, 1922

–

Born:

Golconda

, 

Illinois

Home:

Carbondale

, 

Illinois

William Copeland became a World War II Navy ACE, credited with shooting down 6 enemy aircraft in aerial combat. He retired as a U.S. Navy Commander in 1967.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 19 (VF-19)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Lexington (CV-16)

    Action Date:

    October 12 – 24, 1944
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 361 (March 1947)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant William E. Copeland, United States Navy, was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action as a Pilot in Fighter Squadron NINETEEN (VF-19), embarked in U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-16), in the Formosa and Philippine Islands areas from 12 to 24 October 1944. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.