Harper, Bill R., 1920-

Staff Sergeant (S/SGT) Bill R. Harper was born on 1 February 1920 in Titus County, TX, and livend with his family until he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) on 9 April 1937. He remained in the CCC until the summer of 1938, when he began to work for the Agricultural Adjustment Agency (AAA). On 5 December 1940, he enlisted in the Army and went to Fort Benning, GA for basic training. He participated with the 5th Field Artillery Battalion, 1st Infantry Division in the Louisiana Maneuvers and the training of the New York National Guard at Madison Barracks, NY. In 1941, he went with the unit to Fort Devens, MA, and was assigned to the 1st Provisional Anti-tank Battalion on 19 August 1941. On 15 December 1941, the unit became the 601st Tank Destroyer Battalion. He remained in the unit as part of Headquarters Company and C Company for the entire World War II period. He was severely wounded in 1945 and discharged on 23 January 1946, having earned a Silver Star and a Purple Heart. He has remained active in veteran's associations.