Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
William
G.
Bainbridge
POW (WWII)
April 17, 1925

–

November 29, 2008

Born:

Galesburg

, 

Illinois

Home:

Williamsfield

, 

Illinois

William Bainbridge served with the 106th Infantry Division in WWII until his regiment was overrun during the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944. He was captured held by the Germans as a Prisoner of War until the end of hostilities. In 1972 he became the first Command Sergeant Major of the newly created United States Army Sergeants Major Academy at Fort Bliss, Texas. From 1975 to 1979 he served as the 5th Sergeant Major of the Army. He retired in 1979 and died on November 29, 2008. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant Major

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Sergeant Major William G. Bainbridge, United States Army, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States.

  • Army Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant Major of the Army

    Action Date:

    July 1975 – June 1979

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Sergeant Major of the Army William G. Bainbridge, United States Army, was awarded the Army Distinguished Service Medal for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Sergeant Major of the Army from July 1975 to June 1979. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Sergeant Major Bainbridge culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and his dedicated contributions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army.

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (Germany)

    Action Date:

    December 1944 – May 1945

    Private William G. Bainbridge (ASN: 36752604), United States Army, was captured by German forces during the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944, and was held as a Prisoner of War until the end of hostilities in May 1945.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant Major

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Sergeant Major William G. Bainbridge, United States Army, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States.