William Andrew Richards
On June 6, 1944 Major Richards was declared a casualty of World War II. ★ He served with honor in the United States Army. ★ He is remembered by the people of Michigan. ★ May his positive example inspire us. Working together towards peace, mutual respect, and equality for all.
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Our displayed data concerning the life and military history of William Andrew Richards is a work in progress. We've assembled a list of elements we are in the process of researching and reviewing. This profile was last edited on 2020-06-16 00:20:56.
Missing : Core Data
· Enlistment type· Military occupation or specialty
· Date of tour or service
Missing : Supplemental Data
· Educational background· Marriage history
· Expanded references and citations
Service Details
| This Profile ID | 62722 |
| Service ID | O-393258 |
| Name | William Andrew Richards |
| From | Ishpeming, Marquette County, Michigan |
| Birth Date | May 24, 1915 |
| Casualty Date | June 6, 1944 |
| War | World War II |
| Service Branch | Army |
| Rank | Major |
| Unit/Group | HQ Company, 112th Engineer Combat Battalion |
| Casualty Type | KIA - Killed in Action |
| Location | Omaha Beach, Normandy, France |
| Burial | Plot I Row 15 Grave 12, Normandy American Cemetery, Colleville-sur-Mer, France |
| Notable Awards |
★ Distinguished Service Cross
★ Purple Heart |
| Remembered | 
William Andrew Richards is buried or memorialized at Plot I Row 15 Grave 12, Normandy American Cemetery, Colleville-sur-Mer, France. This is an American Battle Monuments Commission location. |
Additional Details
| William Andrew Richards was born in Virginia, St Louis County, Minnesota. He was later living in Ishpeming, Marquette County, Michigan. He was the son of Lillian Bell Gowan Richards, who had died in 1919 when William was a young boy. |
Commendations + Awards
PLEASE NOTE THIS MIGHT NOT BE A COMPLETE OR COMPLETELY ACCURATE ACCOUNTING. FOR SOME AWARDS WE USE PROBABILITIES BASED ON KNOWN SERVICE DETAILS.
★ Distinguished Service Cross
★ Purple Heart
★ World War II Victory Medal
★ American Campaign Medal
★ Army Presidential Unit Citation
★ Army Good Conduct Medal
★ European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign
Notable Reference Sources
Michigan Gold Star Veterans Gallery
Honoring the men and women of Michigan who gave their all for their country. May their example of courage and sacrifice be our guide. To be strong and responsible in our lives as citizens of the world. 
Through honest daily actions, we honor them.
Through honest daily actions, we honor them.
Michigan was home to over 19,842 American Gold Star veterans from 4 wars of the 20th Century. Some notable statistics:
• 3,044 World War I
• 12,614 World War II
• 1,519 Korean War
• 2,665 Vietnam War
• 316 Prisoners of war
• 3,239 Missing in action
• 67 Pearl Harbor casualties
• 153 D-Day Normandy casualties
• 11 Medal of Honor recipients
• 12,614 World War II
• 1,519 Korean War
• 2,665 Vietnam War
• 316 Prisoners of war
• 3,239 Missing in action
• 67 Pearl Harbor casualties
• 153 D-Day Normandy casualties
• 11 Medal of Honor recipients
Guardians of Honor Credits
Research
Honor States Admin
Supporters
American Veterans Center 75th D-Day Congressional Reception
Balboa Park Veterans Museum
Rolling Thunder National Riders
USS Midway Museum 75th Pearl Harbor Wall of Honor
Sources
National Archives (NARA)
Library of Congress (LOC)
Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA)
Honoring our fallen. Together. Uniting us in meaningful common cause. When we work together to honor our Gold Star veterans, we heal our nation together. It's a team effort. Everyone's invited to join as a Citizen Historian and Guardian of Honor. - learn more
Here is Some Important Information!
U-Haul Supported National Memorial Day Parade
U-Haul has been a proud supporter of the Keep the Spirit of 45 Alive organization since its beginnings in 2009. In 2019, the Honor States organization was honored to be a featured content provider in the group parade tribute to the fallen at D-Day.
★ Featured National Supporter
Our Supporters are Essential Team Members! - learn more
Margaret - Thank you for all the hard work you've put into this project. I know you have a small team and are determined to do your best.
Barb - Just the other day I was telling some friends about Honor States. It's a site I visit often. Such a wonderful project!
Rick - Rest in Peace Soldier. Thank you for your loyalty and your sacrifice. You answered the call and laid down your life for others.
Chuck - I thank greatly. I am alerting your site to all of the Veteran organizations I belong to. Need to get the word out there.
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