Foil: 1 Panel: 3 Column: 4 Line: 65

Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:
Dr. Suzanne Watson

William Wallace “Bill” Watson entered basic training at Lackland AFB, San Antonio, Texas, on June 11, 1946. After clerk-typist school at Lowry AFB, Denver, Colorado, he was transferred in May 1947 to Randolph Field, Texas, as “permanent party.” At Randolph he worked for the Aviation Cadet Examining Board checking applicants for pilot training.

On July 1, 1948, he entered pilot training. Pilot training lasted until March 1, 1949. After Randolph he was stationed at Barksdale AFB, Shreveport, Louisianaa, for Advanced Pilot Training, graduating on July 1, 1949. He was promoted to Second Lieutenant and sent to Sewart AFB, Smyrna, Tennessee, where he joined the 314 Troop Carrier Wing, 61 Squadron (Green Hornets).

He was assigned active duty on May 15, 1951 and shipped to Ashyia AFB in Japan. From October 1951 through March 1952 he was assigned to Seoul, Korea, as a liaison officer for the 315th Air Division of the 5th Air Force. In March 1952 he went back to the 314 Troop Carrier in Japan until May 1952 when he was sent back stateside to Donaldson AFB, Greenville, South Carolina.

In November 1952 he was transferred to a new squadron (316 Troop Carrier) in Smyrna. This assignment lasted until discharged from the Air Force on August 27, 1953.

Airplanes flown by 2nd Lieutenant Watson:
AT-6 (pilot training)
B-25 (advanced training)
C-119 (Dec 1949 to Aug 1953)
CG-15A (Smyrna/Sewart AFB)