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World War II Veteran Memorialized with Bench at Patriots Point

Moultrie News - 7/11/2017

Hoards of locals gathered inside the the tight-quarters of the U.S.S. Yorktown to commemorate a war hero. July 6 is a date which will live on in fame for him.

His name is Bill Watkinson. He served in the U.S. Navy as a radar night fighter pilot stationed to the Yorktown during World War II from 1942-46.

In honor of Watkinson’s legacy, the Patriots Point Naval & Maritime have enshrined him with his very own seat aboard the historic battleship. Watkinson was honored for embodying the humble and selfless nature that immortalizes not only an outstanding serviceman, but a highly respected human being.

Every day, at the ripe age of 95-years-old, Watkinson sacrifices two hours out of his daily routine to sit down on a particular bench as a Yorktown volunteer that overlooks the aircraft carriers he once commandeered.

“I do it to keep peace in the family” Watkinson joked.

Watkinson’s acts of valor, such as flying missiles like the Grumman F6F Hellcat through unfavorable skies during times of turmoil, depict the type of courage and honor he has for his country.

“One person doesn’t mean very much in this world” Watkinson said. “But if you give a whole bunch of little contributions it will all add up to something.”

“I’m glad to see this ship here” Watkinson said. “They’ve done a marvelous job with it and the people who support it are to be congratulated too.”

This bench-mark will allow Watkinson to continue to tell the stories of his glory days in the comfort of his home away from home.