Died - Balikpapan, Borneo, shot down by enemy aircraft from Mission Report at target (Balikpapan).
307th Bombardment Group "The Long Rangers"

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Mr and Mrs Albert Ennis, Lecta. have been notified that their son, Staff Sgt Willard Wallace Ennis, has been missing in action over Borneo since October 3. He is an aerial gunner in the 13th AAF heavy bombers, "The Long Rangers", which has been operating in the combat zone of the southwest Pacific. He is a graduate of the Hiseville High School and attended aerial gunners school at Laredo, Texas.

The Glasgow Times - Nov 9, 1944
Glasgow, Barren Co., KY.

ENNIS, Willard W., 19, S-Sgt., US Air Corps, son of Mr and Mrs W A Ennis, Lecta, reported missing Oct 3, 1944 on combat mission over Borneo. He was a tail gunner to the 13th Air Force.

The Glasgow Times - Feb 28, 1946
Glasgow, Barren Co., KY.

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World War II and Korean Conflict Veterans Interred Overseas
Name: Willard W Ennis
Inducted From: Kentucky
Rank: Staff Sergeant
Combat Organization: 370th Bomber Squadron 307th Bomber
Death Date: 15 Mar 1946 ( I assume this is the date that the military officially declared him dead. Local newspaper gives death date of Oct 3, 1944, date plane went down & also MACR #10489 *LJS)
Monument: Fort William Mckinley, Manila, the Philippines
Last Known Status: Missing
U.S. Awards: Purple Heart Medal
Air Medal
Additional Army Awards

U.S. World War II Army Enlistment Records, 1938-1946
Name: Wlllard W Ennis
Birth Year: 1925
Race: White, citizen (White)
Nativity State or Country: Kentucky
State of Residence: Kentucky
County or City: Jefferson
Enlistment Date: 13 Aug 1943
Enlistment State: Kentucky
Enlistment City: Louisville
Branch: No branch assignment
Branch Code: No branch assignment
Grade: Private
Grade Code: Private
Term of Enlistment: Enlistment for the duration of the War or other emergency, plus six months, subject to the discretion of the President or otherwise according to law
Component: Selectees (Enlisted Men)
Source: Civil Life
Education: 4 years of high school
Civil Occupation: Sales clerks
Marital Status: Single, without dependents
Height: 00
Weight: 000

U.S. Rosters of World War II Dead, 1939-1945
Name: Williard W Ennis
Gender: Male
Race: White
Religion: Protestant
Disposition: Nonrecoverable
Service Branch: Army
Rank: Staff Sergeant
Service Number: 35707744

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Link to his Find A Grave Memorial in his hometown cemetery - Happy Valley Memorial Gardens

Kentucky, Birth Index, 1911-1999
Name: Willard W Ennis
Date of Birth: 11 Jun 1925
County: Barren
Mother's Name: Bertha Williams
Volume Number: 058
Certificate Number: 28505
Volume Year: 1925


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Researched by Laura J. Stewart
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