Marine William Pritchard Killed in Okinawa Battle
Enlisted When 17 in March, 1943;
Home in October, 1943
Marine Pfc. William D. Pritchard, son of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Pritchard, 832 1st N. W., was killed in action on Okinawa on May 12, according to a telegram just received from the War Department.
“Deeply regret to inform you that your son, Pfc. William D. Pritchard, USMCR, was killed in action May 12, 1945, on Okinawa island, Ryukyu Islands, in the performance of his duty and service of his country,” read the message signed by A.A. Vandegrift, marine commandant. “When information is received regarding burial you will be notified. To prevent possible aide to our enemies do not divulge the name of his ship or station. Please accept our heartfelt sympathy.”
William was born in Garner and came to Mason City with his parents 10 years ago. He was graduated from the local high school in 1943. He had enlisted in the marines at the age of 17 in March of that year and as soon as he was graduated left for training at Millsaps college, Jackson, Miss.
His last time home was in October, 1943, following completion of his training at Millsaps. After further training at San Diego, Cal., and Camp Eliot, Cal., he was sent overseas last June.
Besides his parents, he is surived by one sister, Mrs. Patrick O’Harrow, living with the Pritchards while her husband is in the service, and one brother, Flight Officer John S. Pritchard, stationed at Tucson, Ariz.
Source: Mason City Globe-Gazette, Friday, May 25, 1945 (photo included)
Pritchard Motor to Be Closed
Wednesday Morning for Memorial
The Pritchard Motor company will be closed Wednesday morning until 12, noon, for a memorial service that is to be held for Marine Pfc. William Pritchard, son of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Pritchard, who was killed on Okinawa on May 12.
The memorial service will be held Wednesday morning at 8 at the Holy Family church.
Source: The Globe Gazette, Mason City, Cerro Gordo County, Iowa, June 04, 1945, Page 11
Memorial Service for Pfc. William Pritchard
at 9 on Wednesday
Memorial services for Marine Pfc. William Pritchard, son of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Pritchard, who was killed on Okinawa on May 12, will be held at the Holy Family Catholic church at 9 Wednesday morning. The Pritchard Motor company will be closed until 12, noon, Wednesday.
Source: The Globe Gazette, Mason City, Cerro Gordo County, Iowa, June 05, 1945, Page 11
William David Pritchard was born Sept. 20, 1926 to Paul S. and Elizabeth Bradley Pritchard. He died May 12, 1945 and is buried in National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Honolulu, Hawaii.
Pvt. Prichard served in World War II with the U.S. Marine Corps.
Source: ancestry.com
