World War II Veteran honored by Quilts of Valor of the Ozarks

Family members of World War II Veteran Bill Keeton hosted a special celebration for him on August 1 at his home in Springfield. Not only did they have a cake for his upcoming 99th birthday, but members of the Quilts of Valor of the Ozarks (QOVO) were there to present Bill with a Quilt of Valor® as an expression of gratitude for his service to our nation.

Bill, who moved to Springfield from Oklahoma in 1939, was drafted at the age of 18 and began his service on December 6, 1944, with basic training at Fort Leavenworth, KS, and then on to Camp Roberts, CA. Bill was sent to Leyte Island in the Philippines where he served with the Field Artillery of the 91st Infantry Division known as the Wildcats. Bill’s job was to help load the 98 lb. shells into the Howitzer guns. In July 1945 he was sent to Ormoc and two weeks later the end of the war was announced. In October he was sent to Aomori, Japan, to be part of the Occupied Japan forces. From there he spent his final six months in the Airborne Division and served as the Company Clerk. He was discharged as a Corporal on November 26, 1946.

Bill was awarded the Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon with one Battle Star, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one Battle Star, Good Conduct Medal, Army of Occupation Medal and the Victory Medal. Following his discharge he returned to Springfield. He and his wife, Barbara have two children, Scott and Julie (Anderson) as well as two grandchildren.

According to QOVO group leader Debbie Gintz, “it was an honor to meet this World War II veteran and join his family in this celebration”. A Quilt of Valor® (QOV) is a quality, handmade quilt that is machine or hand quilted. It is awarded to a Service Member or Veteran as an expression of our deepest gratitude for their unwavering service to our nation. These quilts are awarded (it is not a gift) and it must be recorded with the Quilts of Valor Foundation. The quilt says unequivocally, “Thank you for your service, sacrifice and valor in serving our nation.”

QOVO would be honored to ensure all of our nation’s World War II veterans receive a Quilt of Valor® (QOV). If you know of a World War II, or any other veteran, they can be nominated at www.qovf.org or contact the local QOVO organization at quiltsofvalorozarks@gmail.com to ensure they are all recognized for their sacrifice.