William "Bill" E. Keithley (1925-1944)
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In 2002, the Mount Horeb Area Historical Society was given a collection of documents, photographs and memorabilia that document a four-year span of the life events and accomplishments of a young man from Mount Horeb—William “Bill” E. Keithley. In this collection, there are items that document his too-short military career, including letters Bill wrote to his parents while in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II.
Born September 13, 1925 in Indiana to Mabel P. and Mills J. Keithley, Bill and his parents later lived in Brodhead before moving to Mount Horeb about 1940, just in time for William to start his freshman year at Mount Horeb High School. William was actively involved in high school—he was president of his junior class, king of the junior prom and played basketball, baseball and football.
Bill enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps as a private first class in June of 1943 and was called to active duty in August of that year. His first letter to his parents was written as he rode the train across America on his way to Camp Pendleton in San Diego County. Over the following year, he wrote another 70 letters home to his parents discussing a wide range of subjects, from Wisconsin football to his meals in the mess hall.
After completing his training, Bill was assigned to the 3rd Marine Division Ordnance Company. The 3rd Marine Division fought throughout the Pacific and was eventually involved in the Battle of Guam. On the 24th of July, 1944, as the Marines fought to take the island of Guam back from the occupying Japanese forces, Bill Keithley was killed as he carried ammunition from the beach to an ordnance depot. The last letter Bill sent home to his parents was dated July 15, 1944.
The donation of this material by Bill’s aunt, Katherine Moore of Janesville, ensures that despite his having no spouse, siblings or descendants, William “Bill” Keithley will remain a part of our local history.
Born September 13, 1925 in Indiana to Mabel P. and Mills J. Keithley, Bill and his parents later lived in Brodhead before moving to Mount Horeb about 1940, just in time for William to start his freshman year at Mount Horeb High School. William was actively involved in high school—he was president of his junior class, king of the junior prom and played basketball, baseball and football.
Bill enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps as a private first class in June of 1943 and was called to active duty in August of that year. His first letter to his parents was written as he rode the train across America on his way to Camp Pendleton in San Diego County. Over the following year, he wrote another 70 letters home to his parents discussing a wide range of subjects, from Wisconsin football to his meals in the mess hall.
After completing his training, Bill was assigned to the 3rd Marine Division Ordnance Company. The 3rd Marine Division fought throughout the Pacific and was eventually involved in the Battle of Guam. On the 24th of July, 1944, as the Marines fought to take the island of Guam back from the occupying Japanese forces, Bill Keithley was killed as he carried ammunition from the beach to an ordnance depot. The last letter Bill sent home to his parents was dated July 15, 1944.
The donation of this material by Bill’s aunt, Katherine Moore of Janesville, ensures that despite his having no spouse, siblings or descendants, William “Bill” Keithley will remain a part of our local history.
PDF copies of original letters and transcripts are linked below.
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William's U.S. Marine Corps Timeline
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Wisconsin State Journal
Madison, WI -
18 Aug 1944
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Letters and Transcripts
