Memorial

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Sgt William D. Houle was employed by the American Watch Case Co before he enlisted in September, 1942. He was sent overseas in February 1944.

This aircraft was a member of the Lead Group of a Combat Wing. All A/C were on the bomb run flying at 25,000 feet. Weather was clear with no undercast as the bomb run was begun. At altitude, clouds were encountered as the bomb run progressed. Clouds became solid, so the Group began descent so as to get under them. Just as the Group emerged from the upper clouds and leveled off, flying at 23,000 feet, the Group was attacked by a close formation of about 40-70 S/E enemy A/C which were practically directly on top of our formation. Two (2) passes were made on this Group, both being head-on in close formation and well pressed. About 80 enemy A/C were in the formation making the second attack. This aircraft dropped out of formation and was last seen about 5 miles south of target flying at 18,000 feet and circling. An Unknown number of unidentified chutes were seen. No other information available.

A city square in Providence - Houle Memorial Square - was named in his honor in 1946.