William Lloyd “Bill” Binney was born May 6, 1918, in Kenosha, Wisconsin. His passion for the Air Force and service to others was inspiring.
In 1942 during WWII Bill left college his senior year to enlist. After attending OCS in 1943, he was commissioned a second lieutenant AAF. From April 1943-October 1944 Bill served with Training Command as a Training officer, Adjutant, and Unit Commander. December 1944-July 1945 he served as Aircraft Controller 93rd FTR Control Squadron which controlled aircraft by means of D/F net both in the US and Europe. Bill shipped out to the European Theater March of 1945-April 1946 and served in Germany. From August 1945-June 1946 he was Unit Commander or Administrative Officer 316th Station Compliment Squadron; 4th Tactical Communication Squadron; 60th Signal Aircraft Warning Det. Bill was promoted to captain.
Following service Bill was part of inactive reserves and in 1947 completed his Degree in Sociology from the University of Wisconsin. He was employed as a Guidance Officer-Penal by the state of Wisconsin. In 1951 during the Korean conflict Bill was recalled to active duty and served as an active duty Air Force officer until 1968. His tireless efforts contributed to the mission of many diverse Air Force units. Bill served as Chief Director-Operations Officer 661st ACW Sq. Selfridge AFB; Commander 710th ACW squadron Cape Prince of Wales, Alaska(Received Letter of Commendation for Units outstanding performance); Chief Director-Operations Officer of 781st ACW Squadron, Custer AFS; Chief Controller 30th Air Division (SAGE)Willow Run AFS; Weapons Controller 4646th Sq.KI Sawyer AFB; Weapons Control Officer 17th AF, Ramstein AB, Germany; and other leadership roles. His final assignment was as Associate Professor of AFROTC at the University Of Iowa.
In 1943 he married Shirley G. Nordstrom a first lieutenant serving as a nurse in the US Army. To their three children they truly were part of the greatest generation. While stationed in Germany from 1962-1964 the family was able to explore the countries of ancestors in England and Sweden as well as visit France, Italy, Germany, Belgium, Luxemburg, Denmark, Netherlands, and Austria. Travel was part of their education as was a sense of duty, honor, service, and love of country.
Upon retirement in 1968 Bill became the Director and Chief of Campus Security and Parking for the University of Iowa. Bill served on numerous committees at the First United Methodist Church. He was a member of the Iowa City Noon Host Lions Club for 38 years and had served as President. He received the James Stronks Award for distinguished service and the Melvin Jones award from Lions International Foundation for his dedication to humanitarian services. He was a member of the Monday Morning Quarterback Club, the Johnson County Military Affairs Committee, the University of Wisconsin Alumni Association, and the National W Club.
Bill and Shirley celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in Hawaii and later with their three children in Northern Virginia. They enjoyed spending holidays together with family as well as traveling, playing bridge, volunteering, socializing with friends, and nature walks. Both passed away in 2003.