Decades later, Maine veteran gets medals for WWII service

AUGUSTA – A veteran who served aboard a long-range bomber in World War II on Friday received long-overdue medals for distinguished and heroic service as an aerial gunner and radioman.

Sen. Susan Collins and Maine Adjutant General Joseph E. Tinkham presided over the ceremony in which Lannes “Bill” Williams received eight Air Medals and two Distinguished Flying Crosses.

Williams and nine other crew members served aboard a B-24 Liberator bomber in Europe and later in the Pacific theater.

Despite suffering a heart attack and strokes in recent years, Williams, 80, of Winthrop preferred to walk to the front of the room on crutches rather than receive the medals while seated, the Kennebec Journal reported.

“The fact that my father was a World War II combat veteran who was wounded twice and awarded the Oak Leaf and Bronze Star gives it a special place in my heart,” Collins said.

As Collins read the honors that go with each medal, Williams received standing ovations during the ceremony at the Augusta State Armory.

“I came to see a hero get his award. I think it’s about time he got it, some 60-odd years later,” said Larry Dearborn, 68, of Richmond, state director for Uniformed Services for Disabled Veterans.