William Trump | |
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Born | Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania | November 7, 1923
Died | July 24, 2009 St. Petersburg, Florida | (aged 85)
Service/ | United States Coast Guard |
William Francis Trump (November 7, 1923 – July 24, 2009) served aboard a Landing Craft Infantry vessel during four amphibious assaults, during World War II.[1][2][3][4] His vessel, the USS LCI-90, participated in the invasion of French North Africa, Sicily and Anzio in 1943, and in the Invasion of Normandy in 1944. It was during the Invasion of Normandy that Trump earned a Silver Star. He volunteered to venture onto the Omaha Beach and anchor a safety line for the 200 soldiers his vessel carried to follow ashore. Trump had to make his way past heavily mined beach fortifications, while under heavy enemy fire. His helmet was creased by a German bullet.
Trump lied about his age, and enlisted in the Coast Guard in 1941 at 17 years old.[5][6] He retired as a chief petty officer, in 1965
After retirement Trump joined the Merchant Marine, serving for fifteen years aboard vessels of Belcher Oil Company.[4][5]
Only eleven other members of the Coast Guard have been awarded the Silver Star.[7]
Having volunteered for the assignment Motor Machinist's Mate First Class Trump waded between the heavily mined beach obstacles and dragged an anchor and anchor-line to shallow water, thereby providing a safety line for troops to follow. His determination to carry out his duty in disregard to the many dangers close at hand was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard service.
He lied about his age at 17 to join the Coast Guard. Three years later, on D-day, he lugged a landing craft's anchor line to Omaha Beach under fire, earning a Silver Star.
Late Bloomsburg man earned honor of $50M ship through heroism at D-Day.
Yered's valorous character shone through many times throughout his career and he is one of 12 Coast Guardsmen awarded the Silver Star.