William W. Spiess

July 14, 1921 – March 16, 2003

William W. Spiess, C/MSGT (Retired) U.S.A.F., 81, died Sunday, March 16, 2003 in Texas. Mr. Spiess was born July 14, 1921 in Blairsville. He served in the Air Force for 30 years, 1939-1969.

He was a gunner on a B-17 in World War II, stationed in England with the 95th Bomb Group, the first Americans to do a daylight bombing mission over Berlin, for which they won a Presidential Citation.

He also served during the Korean and Vietnam wars and was awarded many other medals and commendations over his career.

He also taught at Union College in upstate New York. He was stationed all over the U.S. and the world.

He also was a Mason, having been raised to Master Mason in 1959 in Alexandria, Va., at the same Grand Lodge where George Washington was a member.

Preceded in death by mother Laura Duncan, brother Andrew Duncan and youngest son Darrin. Survivors include his devoted wife of 56 years, Betty;
Also surviving is a sister, Roberta Eperthener of Pittsburgh; Also four children Daniel (Patricia), Columbus, Ohio, and Dennis, David and Dawn (Eddie) Wilkinson, all of Wichita Falls; Also grandsons Dominic, Columbus, and Shane, Alexander and Gordon of Texas.

He is also survived by in-laws Dan and Harriet DeGruttola and Dodie DeGruttola of Blairsville and many nieces, nephews and friends.

A family memorial service was held in Texas.

Blairsville Dispatch (PA) - Friday, March 28, 2003