Woodbury County

Pfc. William Espe

 

 

PFC. “BILL” ESPE IS WOUNDED IN ACTION

Pfc. William (“Bill”) Espe, son of Mr. and Mrs. O. P. Espe, 1211 21st street, received shoulder wounds while in action in the Philippines on February 6, and has been awarded the Purple Heart, his parents have been informed. He has been overseas 14 months in the South Pacific serving in New Zealand, New Caledonia and the Solomon Islands before going to the Philippines. Pfc. Espe was graduated from Trinity high school in May, 1943, where he was active in football, basketball, track and other sports.

Source: The Sioux City Journal, March 2, 1945 (photo included)

Pfc. William Espe Wounded Second Time on Luzon

Pfc. William (Bill) Espe, Trinity High School graduate, was wounded a second time in action in northern Luzon, Philippine Island, according to word received by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. O. P. Espe, 1211 21St Street.

Pfc Espe sustained a side would about the third week in March, having previously been wounded in the shoulder March 6 while serving in the Philippines.

Wearer of the Purple Heart, he was awarded an Oak Leaf Cluster after the second injury. He is serving with the 25th division of the 35th infantry regiment and has been in the South Pacific 16 months.

Pfc. Espe was graduate from Trinity High School in 1943, where he was active in football, basketball and track.

Source: The Sioux City Journal, April 8, 1945