William J. Gregg
Era: World War II
Military Branch: Army
William J. Gregg (Gregorich) of Iron, Minnesota, was inducted into the Army Air Corps November 15, 1943 at Fort Snelling, Minn.
He served as a Staff Sergeant and armorer-gunner with the 465th Bomb Squadron of the 782nd Bomb Group in Rome-Arno and Naples-Foggia, Italy.
He flew 34 combat missions in the European Theater. He was wounded in action by "flak" from anti-aircraft fire in Germany on Jan. 20, 1945. and was hospitalized 13 months.
Mr. Gregg was awarded the Purple Heart, Air Medal with oak leaf cluster, Unit Citation, Good Conduct Medal, European-African-Middle East Campaign Medal with two bronze battle stars, American Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal and one overseas service bar.
He was honorably discharged Feb. 21, 1946, at Army Air Forces Regional and Convalescent Hospital, Coral Gables, Fla.
Hometown Heroes Editors Note: Minnesota Commisioner of Veteran's Affairs from July 5, 1983, until January 7, 1991.
