William D. Dunham was born on October 5, 1918, in Bladen, North Carolina. After graduating from high school, he worked full-time alongside his father on the family farm. William later found employment at a textile factory on South Elm Street. He may have been eligible for a deferment from the draft, being the only son in a family of five daughters.

 

However, William enlisted in the U.S. Army on May 10, 1942, with the service number 34303305. In June 1942, he was assigned to the 309th Technical School Squadron, Flight 306. In August 1942, William was at the Aerial Gunnery School at Gowen Field, located in Boise, Idaho. On August 5, 1943, he was transferred to the 29th Bomb Group, also located at Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho. On September 18, 1943, he was with the 448th Bomb Group, 715th Bomb Squadron, in Sioux City, Iowa. On November 5, 1943, he was with the 448th Bomb Group, 715th Bomb Squadron, in Herington, Kansas. Officially attached to Lt. Chase's crew (Crew #74-52). On December 4, 1943, he was at the 448th Bomb Group airbase in England, at Seething, with Lt. Chase's crew.

 

William D. Dunham died on December 31, 1943 in Queyrac, in the crash of the B-24H bomber.