William Theodore "Bill" Starbuck

William Theodore "Bill" Starbuck was born in Tampa, Florida more than 102 years ago on October 3rd, 1918 to his Father, James Reed Starbuck and Mother, Ellen Leanora Nellie Brenner. . ** Interesting events that occurred around the World during Mr. Starbucks birth year of 1918 included.. • In January of 1918 the "Spanish flu" is first observed @ Camp Funston in Haskell County, Kansas. • On February 6th, 1918 the "Representation of the People Act" gives most Women over age 30 the right to vote in the United Kingdom. • On February 21st, 1918 the last Carolina parakeet (The last breed of parrot native to the Eastern United States) dies in captivity at the Cincinnati Zoo. • On April 21st, 1918 Manfred von Richthofen, "The Red Baron", the war's most successful fighter pilot, dies in combat at Morlancourt Ridge near the Somme River in France. • On August 4th, 1918 Adolf Hitler receives the Iron Cross first class for bravery on the recommendation of his Jewish superior, Lieutenant Hugo Gutmann. • On October 8th, 1918 American soldier Alvin York single-handedly attacks a German gun nest, killing at least 25 and capturing 132 Germans. • On November 11th, 1918 Germany signs an armistice agreement with the Allies in the "Compiègne Wagon", Marshal Foch's railroad car, @ the Forest of Compiègne in France, effectively ending the First World War. It becomes official on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. *•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•* *•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•* ** Williams Paternal Grandfather, Theodore Starbuck served as a dispatcher with the Confederate States Army transversing between Richmond, Virginia and Washington DC during the American Civil War. William was the 5th of six children born to his Mother and Father. Chronologically his elder siblings were Ellen, Lois Primrose, .James Reed Jr. ( He passes away at 15 months old in May of 1911 ) and Charlotte Starbuck. Additionally he had a younger Brother, James Robert who was born in February of 1921. Starbuck Patriarch, James Reed supports his family as a Stevedore ( Longshoreman ) on the docks of Tampa and later as a lumber wholesale dealer. ** Williams Sister, Ellen Starbuck was killed at the age of 18 in a tragic one car automobile accident on Sunday July 8th, 1923. She was a passenger in a vehicle driven by her friend Lois Burnett. ** Starbuck Patriarch, James Reed would lose his life at the age of 50 on November 8th, 1929 after having had suffered from pulmonary tuberculosis. As a young man, William was employed as an assistant shipping clerk at the local Sears Roebuck department store. On March 3rd, 1940 this evenings honoree marries West Virginia native Blanche Theda Matthews. The couple with their whole lives still in front of them never have the opportunity to start a family. On April 22nd, 1942 William enlists with the United States Army shortly after America joined the fight in the Second World War. He entered service as an Air Cadet in July of 1942 and earned his wings as a fighter pilot @ Mission, Texas. Shortly thereafter he was transferred to a Bomber Squadron. William Theodore would be attached to the 48th Fighter Squadron and is sent to North Africa in late 1942 as part of the Operation Torch invasion forces, taking up station in Algeria. It was reassigned to the Twelfth Air Force and flew fighter escort missions for the Flying Fortresses operating from Algeria as well as tactical strikes on enemy targets of opportunity in Algeria and Tunisia during the North African Campaign. Following the German defeat and withdrawal from North Africa the squadron participated in the Allied invasions of Sicily and Italy and the subsequent drive of the United States Fifth Army up the Italian peninsula. It was engaged primarily in tactical operations after November 1943, supporting ground forces and attacking enemy targets of opportunity such as railroads, road convoys, bridges, strafing enemy airfields and other targets The 48th fighter Squadron was then deployed to Corsica in 1944 to attack enemy targets in support of the Free French Forces in the liberation of the island and to support Allied forces in the invasion of southern France. The squadron continued offensive operations until the German surrender in May of 1945 On August 17th, 1944 while piloting his B-17 bomber William (25) who was only eight missions from completing his overseas service, would lose his life when his plane went down over Italy.. Newspaper recollections from the time indicate that it was an "accident" but family notes state he was piloting a secret mission. Lieutenant William Theodore "Bill" Starbuck beloved Husband, Son, Brother, patriotic United States Army Veteran of the Second World War, who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of freedom.