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name
VAN DYK, William Henry "Bill" - Date of
birth
18 November 1921 -
Age
23 - Place of
birth
Grand Rapids, Kent County, Michigan -
Hometown
Grand Rapids, Kent County, Michigan
Personal info
Military service
- Service
number
16085518 -
Rank
Technical Sergeant -
Function
unknown -
Unit
315th Infantry Regiment,
79th Infantry Division
-
Awards
Silver Star,
Bronze Star,
Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster
Death
-
Status
Killed in Action - Date of
death
25 March 1945 - Place of
death
(After) crossing the Rhine river, north of Strasbourg, France/Germany
Grave
-
Cemetery
American War Cemetery Margraten
| Plot | Row | Grave |
|---|---|---|
| G | 18 | 18 |
Immediate family
-
Members
Cornelius Van Dyk (father)
Martha Van Dyk (mother)
Thomas R. Van Dyk (brother)
Delia M. Van Dyk (sister)
Jacob M. Van Dyk (brother)
Ruby N. Van Dyk (sister)
Leonard P. Van Dyk (brother)
Frances L. Van Dyk (sister)
Antoinette J. Van Dyk (wife)
More information
T/Sgt William H. Van Dyk enlisted in Kalamazoo, Michigan on 18 August 1942.The citation of his Silver Star stated:
"Technical Sergeant William H. Van Dyke, United States Army, is reported to have been awarded the Silver Star under the below-listed General Orders for conspicious gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with the 79th Infantry Division during World WarII. General Orders: Headquarters, 79th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 73 (1945)"
Source of information: Cor van den Burg, Terry Hirsch, Allyn D. vanDyk, www.wwiimemorial.com, www.archives.gov - WWII Enlistment Record, www.ancestry.com - U.S., Headstone and Interment Records for U.S. Military Cemeteries on Foreign Soil / 1920/1930 Census / VanDyk Family Tree, WWII Draft Card
Photo source: www.findagrave.com - Des Philippet, Allyn D. vanDyk