Died at age 35. Wilford was a Lieutenant in the United States Navy during World War II (1939-1945). Wilford was KILLED IN ACTION during World War II. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE.

Parents:
Joseph Willy (1883-).
Rose Rickerhauser (1890-).

Married Edna Christine Schaffery on April 21, 1935.

Following info submitted by FindAGrave Contributor Thanatographer #50381814 on November 21, 2021:
Lt. Willy was a true American hero. Lt. Willy was a Lieutenant in the United States Navy during World War II. He was KILLED IN ACTION along with pilot Joseph Patrick Kennedy, Jr.. (JKF, RFK, and Teddy's older brother) during the first United States Naval flight of Operation Aphrodite, a highly secret and dangerous mission flying a remote-controlled bomber loaded with explosives toward a V-3 artillery site at Mimoyecques in northern France to destroy it. A second plane was supposed to assume control of their aircraft, the men would then arm the explosives and bail out with parachutes, leaving the plane to continue onto the target. But over the town of Blythburgh, England, the plane suddenly exploded, killing both men instantly. Copilot Wilford was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE.

Died at age 35. Wilford was a Lieutenant in the United States Navy during World War II (1939-1945). Wilford was KILLED IN ACTION during World War II. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE.

Parents:
Joseph Willy (1883-).
Rose Rickerhauser (1890-).

Married Edna Christine Schaffery on April 21, 1935.

Following info submitted by FindAGrave Contributor Thanatographer #50381814 on November 21, 2021:
Lt. Willy was a true American hero. Lt. Willy was a Lieutenant in the United States Navy during World War II. He was KILLED IN ACTION along with pilot Joseph Patrick Kennedy, Jr.. (JKF, RFK, and Teddy's older brother) during the first United States Naval flight of Operation Aphrodite, a highly secret and dangerous mission flying a remote-controlled bomber loaded with explosives toward a V-3 artillery site at Mimoyecques in northern France to destroy it. A second plane was supposed to assume control of their aircraft, the men would then arm the explosives and bail out with parachutes, leaving the plane to continue onto the target. But over the town of Blythburgh, England, the plane suddenly exploded, killing both men instantly. Copilot Wilford was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE.