FRANKLIN, William Meredith - Private; U.S. Army; enlisted 20-Aug-
1944; served as Rifleman in Company L, 307th Infantry; a letter 
from his commanding officer stated in part, "In the battle in the 
vicinity of Shuri, when exceptionally heavy enemy action was 
encountered, William, in the performance of his duty as rifleman, 
unwaveringly moved to the front of the fight to aid his buddies 
and the advance of his unit.... To all who knew him, William's 
passing was a personal tragedy, he was a fine comrade and an 
excellent soldier,"; received Order of the Purple Heart; born 20-
Apr-1924; died 18-May-1945 in action on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 
in the East China Sea; Home: Binger, caddo co., Ok.; Parents: Mr. 
and Mrs. William T. Franklin of Binger, Ok.