COLDSPRING — World War II veteran Ellis "Willie” Williamson, a true American hero and proud member of the Greatest Generation, was honored May 22 with a community party at the Methodist Church in Coldspring.
Friends, family, fellow veterans and members of the public joined in honoring his life and service.
Born in Gallatin in 1923, Williamson graduated from Gallatin High School in June 1941, just months before the attack on Pearl Harbor. Answering his nation’s call, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps in February 1943 and began his training at Keesler Field in Mississippi, followed by flight and gunnery training in Fort Myers, Fla.
Williamson was assigned to the 397th Bomb Group of the 599th Squadron and served with distinction as a staff sergeant and flight engineer/gunner aboard the B-26 Marauder bomber. His duties included inspecting aircraft readiness before missions, ensuring fuel and repairs were complete, and manning the top turret gun in combat zones across Europe.
Deployed first to Rivenhall, England, in mid-1944 and later to Dreux, France, following D-Day, Williamson flew numerous missions in the thick of battle. On Dec. 23, 1944, during the Battle of the Bulge, he was captured and held as a prisoner of war until his liberation in April 1945.
For his courage and service, Williamson was awarded the Air Medal with two silver oak leaf clusters and two bronze clusters, among several other commendations.
Following the war, Williamson returned home and built a successful civilian life, retiring three times — first in 1979 after more than 30 years as a paint salesman with Celanese Coating Co. He later operated his own 18-wheeler business before retiring again in 1983, and finally from Devoe Paint in 1990 after seven years in sales.
He was married to his beloved wife Antoinette for 45 years until her passing in 1990. Together, they raised three children, and his legacy has grown to include four grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. He later married Priscilla Carrick, gaining two stepdaughters, and shared life with her until her passing in 2020.
Reflecting on his military service, Williamson said, "I wouldn’t give anything for it, but I wouldn’t want to do it again."
As he celebrates his 102 years of life, Ellis Williamson stands as a powerful reminder of bravery, endurance, and devotion to country. His legacy continues to inspire those who know him — and many who are just learning his story.
