Stopped by a local church/cemetery to snap a few pics this Memorial Day. Front and center is William "Bill" Dean's headstone...Bill was an elite paratrooper in World War II and a member of the 551st Battalion, known in history books as “The Lost Battalion", seeing action in France, Sicily, Italy, and Belgium. Outliving the entirety of his light gunners in the 551st, he was reassigned to the 82nd Airborne Division for the remainder of the war. Bill was awarded a Presidential Unit Citation, and received the Bronze Star and 3 Purple Hearts for his exceptional valor in combat. After returning home, Bill was called to a life of faith and spent his later years traveling through Texas serving pastor duties at various United Pentecostal Churches. He lived a full life, passing away at 92 years old and leaving an enormous faith-filled family and legacy of service behind.
I didn't know Bill, nor do I know anyone in his life...I just happened upon his grave in a small Texas town of 12,000 on a beautifully sunny day of gratitude for the sacrifices of strangers. This is the power of a headstone and remembrance in both written and photographic forms.
Thanks for taking the time to memorialize this heroic soldier. Even though he was a stranger when you showed up, I am willing to bet you won’t forget his sacrifice anytime soon.
I like this set of photos as #2 stands out for me.
Dan Cross wrote:
Thanks for taking the time to memorialize this heroic soldier. Even though he was a stranger when you showed up, I am willing to bet you won’t forget his sacrifice anytime soon.
I like this set of photos as #2 stands out for me.
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Danpbphoto wrote:
Wonderful compositions to honor the fallen Scott!
Well done!
Dan
Thanks Dans! It's true, I'll think of his bravery for a while!
RoamingScott wrote:
Stopped by a local church/cemetery to snap a few pics this Memorial Day. Front and center is William "Bill" Dean's headstone...Bill was an elite paratrooper in World War II and a member of the 551st Battalion, known in history books as “The Lost Battalion", seeing action in France, Sicily, Italy, and Belgium. Outliving the entirety of his light gunners in the 551st, he was reassigned to the 82nd Airborne Division for the remainder of the war. Bill was awarded a Presidential Unit Citation, and received the Bronze Star and 3 Purple Hearts for his exceptional valor in combat. After returning home, Bill was called to a life of faith and spent his later years traveling through Texas serving pastor duties at various United Pentecostal Churches. He lived a full life, passing away at 92 years old and leaving an enormous faith-filled family and legacy of service behind.
I didn't know Bill, nor do I know anyone in his life...I just happened upon his grave in a small Texas town of 12,000 on a beautifully sunny day of gratitude for the sacrifices of strangers. This is the power of a headstone and remembrance in both written and photographic forms.
Do you mind revealing the town in Texas? My son is a Dean on his mom's side and those Dean's are from Texas. It would be cool to see if Billy is a distant relative.
Do you mind revealing the town in Texas? My son is a Dean on his mom's side and those Dean's are from Texas. It would be cool to see if Billy is a distant relative.
