Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) William H. Puntenney graduated from the University of Arizona in May 1941 having completed four years in the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) and been commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant. He was assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division, 7th Cavalry Regiment, Special Weapons Troop at Fort Bliss, TX, where he participated in the Louisiana Maneuvers and the Fort Riley Motor Course. He bacame Aide-de-Camp to General Gerhardt, the Division Commander as he transferred to the 91st Infantry Division at Camp Adair, OR. In July 1943, he few overseas, still as Aide to General Gerhardt, designated as courier officer for the flight, and was assigned to the 29th Infantry Division once he arrived. In November 1943, he took command of the 29th Cavalry Reconnaissance Troop and became involved in the planning for Operation Overlord. After D-Day, he transferred to the 116th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Battalion and soon became its commanding officer. He remained with the 116th Battalion through V-E Day and occupation duty in Bremerhaven, Germany until he returned to the United States aboard the Kungsholm and was officially discharged from the Army on 21 December 1945.
From the description of William H. Puntenney papers, 1999. (US Army, Mil Hist Institute). WorldCat record id: 56798422
