Bills parents appear on the 1920 census in Calvert, Robertson Co, Texas. It is believed he was born in Robertson Co. By 1930 they had moved to Lampasas, Lampasas Co, Texas.
Bill was 20 years old on July 20, 1941 and on Dec 31, 1941 he enlisted in the Air Corps as a private according to the WW II Army Enlistment Records 1938-1945. He went off to War and then...
Tuesday, December 7, 1943
Lampasas Man Among Missing
Lampasas, Dec. 6 (Spl)
Staff Sgt. William P. Creekmore 22, tailgunner on a Marauder nedium bomber based in England, has been missing in action since Nov. 5, according to a War Department message to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. P. H. Creekmore of Lampasas.
His was one of two B-26s downed during a mission over France, in which Lt. Weldon R. Rawlings of Fort Worth also was reported missing. Rawlings had been co-pilot of the "Impatient Virgin" on which Creekmore served, but the gunner's parents were uncertain whether he had transferred to another plane.
Overseas since Nov. 11, 1942, Creekmore had completed 17 missions in September and had been awarded the Air Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters.
Born in Calvert, he came here with his parents 16 years ago and was graduated from Lampasas High School, where he played on the football team and was a member of the band. He was employed by a department store here when he enlisted in the Army Air Forces. He received his gunnery wings at Harlingen.
Unknown date
Lampasas, TX newspaper 1943
Bill Creekmore Reported Missing in Action Over France
A few weeks ago it was reported through these columns that Sgt. Bill Creekmore had completed 17 bombing missions and might possibly get a furlough home by Christmas. Last week end his parents, Mr. and Mrs. P. H. Creekmore, received a message from the War Department that he is missing in action in line of duty over France.
Bill was a rear gunner and doubtless had dealt misery to many an attacker before he finally went down. It is the sincere hope of his many friends that he was able to bail out and that the Fortress made a safe forced landing and that he is a prisoner and otherwise safe and alive.
Bill was well known here. He played on the Badger football team when in high school. After graduation, before entering service, he was employed at Stokes Bros. and later at L.C.R.A.
Unknown date, abt Dec. 1943
Lampasas, TX newspaper
Two Messages Received About Wm. Creekmore
The whole town was elated a few days ago when a telegram was received from the War Department stating that S-Sgt William P (Bill) Creekmore, son of Mr. and Mrs. P. H. Creekmore, was a prisoner in Germany. The following day another message was received which places a question about whether or not he is a prisoner, but it is hoped that he is. Both telegrams are carried below, so as to inform the many friends of the real facts.
"Washington, Dec 13, 1943"
"Mrs. Jimmie L. Creekmore,
"Lampasas, Texas.
"Report just received through the International Red Cross states that your son, Staff Sergeant William P. Creekmore, is a prisoner of War of the German government. Letter of information follows from provost marshall general.
"The Adjutant General"
"Washington, Dec. 14, 1943.
"Mrs. Creekmore,
"Lampasas, Texas.
"A short wave message has been received from Germany indicating that S-Sgt William P. Creekmore is a prisoner of War. No personal message was included. This message originating in Germany for propaganda purposes cannot be accepted as official report of the War Department. Letter follows.
"Guillion, Provost Marshal General:
As is generally known Sgt. Creekmore was reported missing in action some weeks ago when his bomber went down over enemy territory. The above are the first messages received since that time. It is hoped by all that the first telegram information is true and will be confirmed later on.
Lampasas Sergeant Is Prisoner of War
Lampasas, Dec. 18 [1943]
Mr. and Mrs. P. H. Creekmore of Lampasas have been advised their son, Staff Sgt. William P. Creekmore, 22, is a prisoner of war in Germany.
Creekmore was a tail gunner on a Marauder medium bomber based in England and he had been missing in action since Nov. 5 when his plane was shot down over France.
Creekmore served on the "Impatient Virgin", had completed 17 missions in September and had been awarded the Air Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters.
Unknown date, [1944]
Lampasas Newspaper
The Creekmores Get Message From Son
Mr. and Mrs. P. H. Creekmore received a brief message Monday, March 27, written by their son, S/Sgt Bill Creekmore. It was the first word they had had from him since he was reported missing in action over enemy territory. The card was written November 10, 1943, just five days after his plane went down. The card stated that he was not injured, was all right and well treated.
Sgt. Creekmore, a tail gunner on a B-26 bomber went down, he and other members of the crew, November 5, 1943, over France. Soon after the bomber was lost, the parents received a message from the War Department stating that he was missing in action, and about a month later another message stated he was a prisoner.
Sgt. Creekmore said he would be allowed to write three letters per month, and the parents are hoping for several other messages from him soon.
Post card from Germany:
Kriegsgefangenenlager
Datum: Feb 24, 1945
"My dearest Mom, Dad & family. Just to let you know I'm still in good health & hope this card finds each of you the same. There isn't much for me to write only that I miss you very much & think of you most of the time. May we be together again soon. Love Son.
Misc note found in William P. Creekmore's papers:
" Places or camps of confinement continued:
"Marched across Austria in real bad weather with only six meals from the Germans during the 18 days marching. This was only soup that had been made in wine barrels and was spoiled. Marched from April 9, 1945 until April 26, 1945. We were placed in an open forest with no protection or food for one week on the Austria and German border before liberated on May 3, 1945."
Undated article from Lampasas newspaper.
Believed to be June, 1945.
Sgt. Bill Creekmore Home From Prison
S/Sgt Wm. P. (Bill) Creekmore, son of Mr. and Mrs. P. H. Creekmore, arrived home Saturday from San Antonio where he was met by his parents and some other relatives. Bill had landed at New York June 11 and got to San Antonio Friday afternoon, the 15th. He will be here for 60 days and then go to a rest home at Miami, Florida and be hospitalized for a time if it is thought necessary.
Sgt. Creekmore was on his 18th bombing mission November 5, 1943 in a B-26, the target being coastal defenses, when just before the bombs were dropped the ship was hit by heavy flak. The pilot gave orders to jump, but the radio mechanism was out and the men were unable to hear. Creekmore was the tail gunner and when he saw what was happening, he made the jump. His parachute hung to the tail guns but pulled loose just before the ship exploded, and he was carried safely to the ground, although he went down pretty fast and injured his hip and got a number of other flesh wounds in the fall. All the other members of the crew were instantly killed. All fell in a small area and Sgt. Creekmore saw all the bodies except one, he said. It was a gruesome sight – his buddies all mangled and dead.
The Sergeant was taken by German soldiers who carried him to a hospital at Lille, France where he stayed for two days, and was then taken to Frankfort, Germany for a few days. Then he was sent to Krems, Austria November 14, and placed in Prison Camp Stalag 17-B where he was kept till April 9, 1945. Then he, with the other, 4,200 Americans, and some of other nationalities, were marched across Austria and placed in an open forest on the Austria-German border just across the river from Germany. There they were liberated by the men of a tank spearhead, which crossed the river the night before on May 3. They were taken over the river and were flown to LeHarve, France in C-47s.
Sgt. Creekmore said the prisoners in Stalag 17-B were treated very well by the German guards, but the food was terrible. They had only soup and potatoes for a time and then just soup. Had it not been for the Red Cross parcels they would have had a hard time getting by because of starvation. Too much praise cannot be given the Red Cross which served them, Bill said. During 1944 the parcels came in one a week pretty complete. In 1945 they were not so regular because of transportation and then two to four men had to make out on one man's rations. By pooling the food they received, he said, they got by pretty well. He lost about 20 pounds, but has gained most of it back and is feeling all right. "I never saw anything that looked better than the steaks they had prepared for us when we landed in New York", said this happy soldier.
Mail came through pretty well. Bill received about 150 letters while in prison and three of the nine or ten parcels started to him, he said.
Part of the time when food was so scarce in prison, the men boiled dandelions and Bill said they make a good dish when one is so hungry. He said there was an old female cat in the camp which gave birth to kittens more than once and when the kittens had a little age on them, the men killed them for food. He ate some of them and said it tasted pretty much like young rabbit.
Sgt. Creekmore, who is 24, entered the service December 30, 1941 and went across in November, 1942. He won the Air Medal and two Clusters and also was awarded the Purple Heart for his wound.
A few years before he passed away Bill became wheelchair bound after several surgeries on his feet and legs due to the injuries he sustained from his frozen feet and legs during his imprisonment and march through the frozen forest of Germany. But even with the loss of both feet and legs below the knee he kept a smile on his face as he scooted around the house and up and down the front and back ramps to get out in the yard. He refused to be homebound but his wife and a neighbor panicked the day his wheelchair flipped and they found him lying in the steet at the end of the driveway when he went out to check the mailbox. But a few minutes later with the help of his wife and the neighbor he climbed back in the wheelchair and brought the mail into the house and laid it on the dining room table. He never gave up.
Bill was 20 years old on July 20, 1941 and on Dec 31, 1941 he enlisted in the Air Corps as a private according to the WW II Army Enlistment Records 1938-1945. He went off to War and then...
Tuesday, December 7, 1943
Lampasas Man Among Missing
Lampasas, Dec. 6 (Spl)
Staff Sgt. William P. Creekmore 22, tailgunner on a Marauder nedium bomber based in England, has been missing in action since Nov. 5, according to a War Department message to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. P. H. Creekmore of Lampasas.
His was one of two B-26s downed during a mission over France, in which Lt. Weldon R. Rawlings of Fort Worth also was reported missing. Rawlings had been co-pilot of the "Impatient Virgin" on which Creekmore served, but the gunner's parents were uncertain whether he had transferred to another plane.
Overseas since Nov. 11, 1942, Creekmore had completed 17 missions in September and had been awarded the Air Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters.
Born in Calvert, he came here with his parents 16 years ago and was graduated from Lampasas High School, where he played on the football team and was a member of the band. He was employed by a department store here when he enlisted in the Army Air Forces. He received his gunnery wings at Harlingen.
Unknown date
Lampasas, TX newspaper 1943
Bill Creekmore Reported Missing in Action Over France
A few weeks ago it was reported through these columns that Sgt. Bill Creekmore had completed 17 bombing missions and might possibly get a furlough home by Christmas. Last week end his parents, Mr. and Mrs. P. H. Creekmore, received a message from the War Department that he is missing in action in line of duty over France.
Bill was a rear gunner and doubtless had dealt misery to many an attacker before he finally went down. It is the sincere hope of his many friends that he was able to bail out and that the Fortress made a safe forced landing and that he is a prisoner and otherwise safe and alive.
Bill was well known here. He played on the Badger football team when in high school. After graduation, before entering service, he was employed at Stokes Bros. and later at L.C.R.A.
Unknown date, abt Dec. 1943
Lampasas, TX newspaper
Two Messages Received About Wm. Creekmore
The whole town was elated a few days ago when a telegram was received from the War Department stating that S-Sgt William P (Bill) Creekmore, son of Mr. and Mrs. P. H. Creekmore, was a prisoner in Germany. The following day another message was received which places a question about whether or not he is a prisoner, but it is hoped that he is. Both telegrams are carried below, so as to inform the many friends of the real facts.
"Washington, Dec 13, 1943"
"Mrs. Jimmie L. Creekmore,
"Lampasas, Texas.
"Report just received through the International Red Cross states that your son, Staff Sergeant William P. Creekmore, is a prisoner of War of the German government. Letter of information follows from provost marshall general.
"The Adjutant General"
"Washington, Dec. 14, 1943.
"Mrs. Creekmore,
"Lampasas, Texas.
"A short wave message has been received from Germany indicating that S-Sgt William P. Creekmore is a prisoner of War. No personal message was included. This message originating in Germany for propaganda purposes cannot be accepted as official report of the War Department. Letter follows.
"Guillion, Provost Marshal General:
As is generally known Sgt. Creekmore was reported missing in action some weeks ago when his bomber went down over enemy territory. The above are the first messages received since that time. It is hoped by all that the first telegram information is true and will be confirmed later on.
Lampasas Sergeant Is Prisoner of War
Lampasas, Dec. 18 [1943]
Mr. and Mrs. P. H. Creekmore of Lampasas have been advised their son, Staff Sgt. William P. Creekmore, 22, is a prisoner of war in Germany.
Creekmore was a tail gunner on a Marauder medium bomber based in England and he had been missing in action since Nov. 5 when his plane was shot down over France.
Creekmore served on the "Impatient Virgin", had completed 17 missions in September and had been awarded the Air Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters.
Unknown date, [1944]
Lampasas Newspaper
The Creekmores Get Message From Son
Mr. and Mrs. P. H. Creekmore received a brief message Monday, March 27, written by their son, S/Sgt Bill Creekmore. It was the first word they had had from him since he was reported missing in action over enemy territory. The card was written November 10, 1943, just five days after his plane went down. The card stated that he was not injured, was all right and well treated.
Sgt. Creekmore, a tail gunner on a B-26 bomber went down, he and other members of the crew, November 5, 1943, over France. Soon after the bomber was lost, the parents received a message from the War Department stating that he was missing in action, and about a month later another message stated he was a prisoner.
Sgt. Creekmore said he would be allowed to write three letters per month, and the parents are hoping for several other messages from him soon.
Post card from Germany:
Kriegsgefangenenlager
Datum: Feb 24, 1945
"My dearest Mom, Dad & family. Just to let you know I'm still in good health & hope this card finds each of you the same. There isn't much for me to write only that I miss you very much & think of you most of the time. May we be together again soon. Love Son.
Misc note found in William P. Creekmore's papers:
" Places or camps of confinement continued:
"Marched across Austria in real bad weather with only six meals from the Germans during the 18 days marching. This was only soup that had been made in wine barrels and was spoiled. Marched from April 9, 1945 until April 26, 1945. We were placed in an open forest with no protection or food for one week on the Austria and German border before liberated on May 3, 1945."
Undated article from Lampasas newspaper.
Believed to be June, 1945.
Sgt. Bill Creekmore Home From Prison
S/Sgt Wm. P. (Bill) Creekmore, son of Mr. and Mrs. P. H. Creekmore, arrived home Saturday from San Antonio where he was met by his parents and some other relatives. Bill had landed at New York June 11 and got to San Antonio Friday afternoon, the 15th. He will be here for 60 days and then go to a rest home at Miami, Florida and be hospitalized for a time if it is thought necessary.
Sgt. Creekmore was on his 18th bombing mission November 5, 1943 in a B-26, the target being coastal defenses, when just before the bombs were dropped the ship was hit by heavy flak. The pilot gave orders to jump, but the radio mechanism was out and the men were unable to hear. Creekmore was the tail gunner and when he saw what was happening, he made the jump. His parachute hung to the tail guns but pulled loose just before the ship exploded, and he was carried safely to the ground, although he went down pretty fast and injured his hip and got a number of other flesh wounds in the fall. All the other members of the crew were instantly killed. All fell in a small area and Sgt. Creekmore saw all the bodies except one, he said. It was a gruesome sight – his buddies all mangled and dead.
The Sergeant was taken by German soldiers who carried him to a hospital at Lille, France where he stayed for two days, and was then taken to Frankfort, Germany for a few days. Then he was sent to Krems, Austria November 14, and placed in Prison Camp Stalag 17-B where he was kept till April 9, 1945. Then he, with the other, 4,200 Americans, and some of other nationalities, were marched across Austria and placed in an open forest on the Austria-German border just across the river from Germany. There they were liberated by the men of a tank spearhead, which crossed the river the night before on May 3. They were taken over the river and were flown to LeHarve, France in C-47s.
Sgt. Creekmore said the prisoners in Stalag 17-B were treated very well by the German guards, but the food was terrible. They had only soup and potatoes for a time and then just soup. Had it not been for the Red Cross parcels they would have had a hard time getting by because of starvation. Too much praise cannot be given the Red Cross which served them, Bill said. During 1944 the parcels came in one a week pretty complete. In 1945 they were not so regular because of transportation and then two to four men had to make out on one man's rations. By pooling the food they received, he said, they got by pretty well. He lost about 20 pounds, but has gained most of it back and is feeling all right. "I never saw anything that looked better than the steaks they had prepared for us when we landed in New York", said this happy soldier.
Mail came through pretty well. Bill received about 150 letters while in prison and three of the nine or ten parcels started to him, he said.
Part of the time when food was so scarce in prison, the men boiled dandelions and Bill said they make a good dish when one is so hungry. He said there was an old female cat in the camp which gave birth to kittens more than once and when the kittens had a little age on them, the men killed them for food. He ate some of them and said it tasted pretty much like young rabbit.
Sgt. Creekmore, who is 24, entered the service December 30, 1941 and went across in November, 1942. He won the Air Medal and two Clusters and also was awarded the Purple Heart for his wound.
A few years before he passed away Bill became wheelchair bound after several surgeries on his feet and legs due to the injuries he sustained from his frozen feet and legs during his imprisonment and march through the frozen forest of Germany. But even with the loss of both feet and legs below the knee he kept a smile on his face as he scooted around the house and up and down the front and back ramps to get out in the yard. He refused to be homebound but his wife and a neighbor panicked the day his wheelchair flipped and they found him lying in the steet at the end of the driveway when he went out to check the mailbox. But a few minutes later with the help of his wife and the neighbor he climbed back in the wheelchair and brought the mail into the house and laid it on the dining room table. He never gave up.
Bills parents appear on the 1920 census in Calvert, Robertson Co, Texas. It is believed he was born in Robertson Co. By 1930 they had moved to Lampasas, Lampasas Co, Texas.
Bill was 20 years old on July 20, 1941 and on Dec 31, 1941 he enlisted in the Air Corps as a private according to the WW II Army Enlistment Records 1938-1945. He went off to War and then...
Tuesday, December 7, 1943
Lampasas Man Among Missing
Lampasas, Dec. 6 (Spl)
Staff Sgt. William P. Creekmore 22, tailgunner on a Marauder nedium bomber based in England, has been missing in action since Nov. 5, according to a War Department message to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. P. H. Creekmore of Lampasas.
His was one of two B-26s downed during a mission over France, in which Lt. Weldon R. Rawlings of Fort Worth also was reported missing. Rawlings had been co-pilot of the "Impatient Virgin" on which Creekmore served, but the gunner's parents were uncertain whether he had transferred to another plane.
Overseas since Nov. 11, 1942, Creekmore had completed 17 missions in September and had been awarded the Air Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters.
Born in Calvert, he came here with his parents 16 years ago and was graduated from Lampasas High School, where he played on the football team and was a member of the band. He was employed by a department store here when he enlisted in the Army Air Forces. He received his gunnery wings at Harlingen.
Unknown date
Lampasas, TX newspaper 1943
Bill Creekmore Reported Missing in Action Over France
A few weeks ago it was reported through these columns that Sgt. Bill Creekmore had completed 17 bombing missions and might possibly get a furlough home by Christmas. Last week end his parents, Mr. and Mrs. P. H. Creekmore, received a message from the War Department that he is missing in action in line of duty over France.
Bill was a rear gunner and doubtless had dealt misery to many an attacker before he finally went down. It is the sincere hope of his many friends that he was able to bail out and that the Fortress made a safe forced landing and that he is a prisoner and otherwise safe and alive.
Bill was well known here. He played on the Badger football team when in high school. After graduation, before entering service, he was employed at Stokes Bros. and later at L.C.R.A.
Unknown date, abt Dec. 1943
Lampasas, TX newspaper
Two Messages Received About Wm. Creekmore
The whole town was elated a few days ago when a telegram was received from the War Department stating that S-Sgt William P (Bill) Creekmore, son of Mr. and Mrs. P. H. Creekmore, was a prisoner in Germany. The following day another message was received which places a question about whether or not he is a prisoner, but it is hoped that he is. Both telegrams are carried below, so as to inform the many friends of the real facts.
"Washington, Dec 13, 1943"
"Mrs. Jimmie L. Creekmore,
"Lampasas, Texas.
"Report just received through the International Red Cross states that your son, Staff Sergeant William P. Creekmore, is a prisoner of War of the German government. Letter of information follows from provost marshall general.
"The Adjutant General"
"Washington, Dec. 14, 1943.
"Mrs. Creekmore,
"Lampasas, Texas.
"A short wave message has been received from Germany indicating that S-Sgt William P. Creekmore is a prisoner of War. No personal message was included. This message originating in Germany for propaganda purposes cannot be accepted as official report of the War Department. Letter follows.
"Guillion, Provost Marshal General:
As is generally known Sgt. Creekmore was reported missing in action some weeks ago when his bomber went down over enemy territory. The above are the first messages received since that time. It is hoped by all that the first telegram information is true and will be confirmed later on.
Lampasas Sergeant Is Prisoner of War
Lampasas, Dec. 18 [1943]
Mr. and Mrs. P. H. Creekmore of Lampasas have been advised their son, Staff Sgt. William P. Creekmore, 22, is a prisoner of war in Germany.
Creekmore was a tail gunner on a Marauder medium bomber based in England and he had been missing in action since Nov. 5 when his plane was shot down over France.
Creekmore served on the "Impatient Virgin", had completed 17 missions in September and had been awarded the Air Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters.
Unknown date, [1944]
Lampasas Newspaper
The Creekmores Get Message From Son
Mr. and Mrs. P. H. Creekmore received a brief message Monday, March 27, written by their son, S/Sgt Bill Creekmore. It was the first word they had had from him since he was reported missing in action over enemy territory. The card was written November 10, 1943, just five days after his plane went down. The card stated that he was not injured, was all right and well treated.
Sgt. Creekmore, a tail gunner on a B-26 bomber went down, he and other members of the crew, November 5, 1943, over France. Soon after the bomber was lost, the parents received a message from the War Department stating that he was missing in action, and about a month later another message stated he was a prisoner.
Sgt. Creekmore said he would be allowed to write three letters per month, and the parents are hoping for several other messages from him soon.
Post card from Germany:
Kriegsgefangenenlager
Datum: Feb 24, 1945
"My dearest Mom, Dad & family. Just to let you know I'm still in good health & hope this card finds each of you the same. There isn't much for me to write only that I miss you very much & think of you most of the time. May we be together again soon. Love Son.
Misc note found in William P. Creekmore's papers:
" Places or camps of confinement continued:
"Marched across Austria in real bad weather with only six meals from the Germans during the 18 days marching. This was only soup that had been made in wine barrels and was spoiled. Marched from April 9, 1945 until April 26, 1945. We were placed in an open forest with no protection or food for one week on the Austria and German border before liberated on May 3, 1945."
Undated article from Lampasas newspaper.
Believed to be June, 1945.
Sgt. Bill Creekmore Home From Prison
S/Sgt Wm. P. (Bill) Creekmore, son of Mr. and Mrs. P. H. Creekmore, arrived home Saturday from San Antonio where he was met by his parents and some other relatives. Bill had landed at New York June 11 and got to San Antonio Friday afternoon, the 15th. He will be here for 60 days and then go to a rest home at Miami, Florida and be hospitalized for a time if it is thought necessary.
Sgt. Creekmore was on his 18th bombing mission November 5, 1943 in a B-26, the target being coastal defenses, when just before the bombs were dropped the ship was hit by heavy flak. The pilot gave orders to jump, but the radio mechanism was out and the men were unable to hear. Creekmore was the tail gunner and when he saw what was happening, he made the jump. His parachute hung to the tail guns but pulled loose just before the ship exploded, and he was carried safely to the ground, although he went down pretty fast and injured his hip and got a number of other flesh wounds in the fall. All the other members of the crew were instantly killed. All fell in a small area and Sgt. Creekmore saw all the bodies except one, he said. It was a gruesome sight – his buddies all mangled and dead.
The Sergeant was taken by German soldiers who carried him to a hospital at Lille, France where he stayed for two days, and was then taken to Frankfort, Germany for a few days. Then he was sent to Krems, Austria November 14, and placed in Prison Camp Stalag 17-B where he was kept till April 9, 1945. Then he, with the other, 4,200 Americans, and some of other nationalities, were marched across Austria and placed in an open forest on the Austria-German border just across the river from Germany. There they were liberated by the men of a tank spearhead, which crossed the river the night before on May 3. They were taken over the river and were flown to LeHarve, France in C-47s.
Sgt. Creekmore said the prisoners in Stalag 17-B were treated very well by the German guards, but the food was terrible. They had only soup and potatoes for a time and then just soup. Had it not been for the Red Cross parcels they would have had a hard time getting by because of starvation. Too much praise cannot be given the Red Cross which served them, Bill said. During 1944 the parcels came in one a week pretty complete. In 1945 they were not so regular because of transportation and then two to four men had to make out on one man's rations. By pooling the food they received, he said, they got by pretty well. He lost about 20 pounds, but has gained most of it back and is feeling all right. "I never saw anything that looked better than the steaks they had prepared for us when we landed in New York", said this happy soldier.
Mail came through pretty well. Bill received about 150 letters while in prison and three of the nine or ten parcels started to him, he said.
Part of the time when food was so scarce in prison, the men boiled dandelions and Bill said they make a good dish when one is so hungry. He said there was an old female cat in the camp which gave birth to kittens more than once and when the kittens had a little age on them, the men killed them for food. He ate some of them and said it tasted pretty much like young rabbit.
Sgt. Creekmore, who is 24, entered the service December 30, 1941 and went across in November, 1942. He won the Air Medal and two Clusters and also was awarded the Purple Heart for his wound.
A few years before he passed away Bill became wheelchair bound after several surgeries on his feet and legs due to the injuries he sustained from his frozen feet and legs during his imprisonment and march through the frozen forest of Germany. But even with the loss of both feet and legs below the knee he kept a smile on his face as he scooted around the house and up and down the front and back ramps to get out in the yard. He refused to be homebound but his wife and a neighbor panicked the day his wheelchair flipped and they found him lying in the steet at the end of the driveway when he went out to check the mailbox. But a few minutes later with the help of his wife and the neighbor he climbed back in the wheelchair and brought the mail into the house and laid it on the dining room table. He never gave up.
Bill was 20 years old on July 20, 1941 and on Dec 31, 1941 he enlisted in the Air Corps as a private according to the WW II Army Enlistment Records 1938-1945. He went off to War and then...
Tuesday, December 7, 1943
Lampasas Man Among Missing
Lampasas, Dec. 6 (Spl)
Staff Sgt. William P. Creekmore 22, tailgunner on a Marauder nedium bomber based in England, has been missing in action since Nov. 5, according to a War Department message to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. P. H. Creekmore of Lampasas.
His was one of two B-26s downed during a mission over France, in which Lt. Weldon R. Rawlings of Fort Worth also was reported missing. Rawlings had been co-pilot of the "Impatient Virgin" on which Creekmore served, but the gunner's parents were uncertain whether he had transferred to another plane.
Overseas since Nov. 11, 1942, Creekmore had completed 17 missions in September and had been awarded the Air Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters.
Born in Calvert, he came here with his parents 16 years ago and was graduated from Lampasas High School, where he played on the football team and was a member of the band. He was employed by a department store here when he enlisted in the Army Air Forces. He received his gunnery wings at Harlingen.
Unknown date
Lampasas, TX newspaper 1943
Bill Creekmore Reported Missing in Action Over France
A few weeks ago it was reported through these columns that Sgt. Bill Creekmore had completed 17 bombing missions and might possibly get a furlough home by Christmas. Last week end his parents, Mr. and Mrs. P. H. Creekmore, received a message from the War Department that he is missing in action in line of duty over France.
Bill was a rear gunner and doubtless had dealt misery to many an attacker before he finally went down. It is the sincere hope of his many friends that he was able to bail out and that the Fortress made a safe forced landing and that he is a prisoner and otherwise safe and alive.
Bill was well known here. He played on the Badger football team when in high school. After graduation, before entering service, he was employed at Stokes Bros. and later at L.C.R.A.
Unknown date, abt Dec. 1943
Lampasas, TX newspaper
Two Messages Received About Wm. Creekmore
The whole town was elated a few days ago when a telegram was received from the War Department stating that S-Sgt William P (Bill) Creekmore, son of Mr. and Mrs. P. H. Creekmore, was a prisoner in Germany. The following day another message was received which places a question about whether or not he is a prisoner, but it is hoped that he is. Both telegrams are carried below, so as to inform the many friends of the real facts.
"Washington, Dec 13, 1943"
"Mrs. Jimmie L. Creekmore,
"Lampasas, Texas.
"Report just received through the International Red Cross states that your son, Staff Sergeant William P. Creekmore, is a prisoner of War of the German government. Letter of information follows from provost marshall general.
"The Adjutant General"
"Washington, Dec. 14, 1943.
"Mrs. Creekmore,
"Lampasas, Texas.
"A short wave message has been received from Germany indicating that S-Sgt William P. Creekmore is a prisoner of War. No personal message was included. This message originating in Germany for propaganda purposes cannot be accepted as official report of the War Department. Letter follows.
"Guillion, Provost Marshal General:
As is generally known Sgt. Creekmore was reported missing in action some weeks ago when his bomber went down over enemy territory. The above are the first messages received since that time. It is hoped by all that the first telegram information is true and will be confirmed later on.
Lampasas Sergeant Is Prisoner of War
Lampasas, Dec. 18 [1943]
Mr. and Mrs. P. H. Creekmore of Lampasas have been advised their son, Staff Sgt. William P. Creekmore, 22, is a prisoner of war in Germany.
Creekmore was a tail gunner on a Marauder medium bomber based in England and he had been missing in action since Nov. 5 when his plane was shot down over France.
Creekmore served on the "Impatient Virgin", had completed 17 missions in September and had been awarded the Air Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters.
Unknown date, [1944]
Lampasas Newspaper
The Creekmores Get Message From Son
Mr. and Mrs. P. H. Creekmore received a brief message Monday, March 27, written by their son, S/Sgt Bill Creekmore. It was the first word they had had from him since he was reported missing in action over enemy territory. The card was written November 10, 1943, just five days after his plane went down. The card stated that he was not injured, was all right and well treated.
Sgt. Creekmore, a tail gunner on a B-26 bomber went down, he and other members of the crew, November 5, 1943, over France. Soon after the bomber was lost, the parents received a message from the War Department stating that he was missing in action, and about a month later another message stated he was a prisoner.
Sgt. Creekmore said he would be allowed to write three letters per month, and the parents are hoping for several other messages from him soon.
Post card from Germany:
Kriegsgefangenenlager
Datum: Feb 24, 1945
"My dearest Mom, Dad & family. Just to let you know I'm still in good health & hope this card finds each of you the same. There isn't much for me to write only that I miss you very much & think of you most of the time. May we be together again soon. Love Son.
Misc note found in William P. Creekmore's papers:
" Places or camps of confinement continued:
"Marched across Austria in real bad weather with only six meals from the Germans during the 18 days marching. This was only soup that had been made in wine barrels and was spoiled. Marched from April 9, 1945 until April 26, 1945. We were placed in an open forest with no protection or food for one week on the Austria and German border before liberated on May 3, 1945."
Undated article from Lampasas newspaper.
Believed to be June, 1945.
Sgt. Bill Creekmore Home From Prison
S/Sgt Wm. P. (Bill) Creekmore, son of Mr. and Mrs. P. H. Creekmore, arrived home Saturday from San Antonio where he was met by his parents and some other relatives. Bill had landed at New York June 11 and got to San Antonio Friday afternoon, the 15th. He will be here for 60 days and then go to a rest home at Miami, Florida and be hospitalized for a time if it is thought necessary.
Sgt. Creekmore was on his 18th bombing mission November 5, 1943 in a B-26, the target being coastal defenses, when just before the bombs were dropped the ship was hit by heavy flak. The pilot gave orders to jump, but the radio mechanism was out and the men were unable to hear. Creekmore was the tail gunner and when he saw what was happening, he made the jump. His parachute hung to the tail guns but pulled loose just before the ship exploded, and he was carried safely to the ground, although he went down pretty fast and injured his hip and got a number of other flesh wounds in the fall. All the other members of the crew were instantly killed. All fell in a small area and Sgt. Creekmore saw all the bodies except one, he said. It was a gruesome sight – his buddies all mangled and dead.
The Sergeant was taken by German soldiers who carried him to a hospital at Lille, France where he stayed for two days, and was then taken to Frankfort, Germany for a few days. Then he was sent to Krems, Austria November 14, and placed in Prison Camp Stalag 17-B where he was kept till April 9, 1945. Then he, with the other, 4,200 Americans, and some of other nationalities, were marched across Austria and placed in an open forest on the Austria-German border just across the river from Germany. There they were liberated by the men of a tank spearhead, which crossed the river the night before on May 3. They were taken over the river and were flown to LeHarve, France in C-47s.
Sgt. Creekmore said the prisoners in Stalag 17-B were treated very well by the German guards, but the food was terrible. They had only soup and potatoes for a time and then just soup. Had it not been for the Red Cross parcels they would have had a hard time getting by because of starvation. Too much praise cannot be given the Red Cross which served them, Bill said. During 1944 the parcels came in one a week pretty complete. In 1945 they were not so regular because of transportation and then two to four men had to make out on one man's rations. By pooling the food they received, he said, they got by pretty well. He lost about 20 pounds, but has gained most of it back and is feeling all right. "I never saw anything that looked better than the steaks they had prepared for us when we landed in New York", said this happy soldier.
Mail came through pretty well. Bill received about 150 letters while in prison and three of the nine or ten parcels started to him, he said.
Part of the time when food was so scarce in prison, the men boiled dandelions and Bill said they make a good dish when one is so hungry. He said there was an old female cat in the camp which gave birth to kittens more than once and when the kittens had a little age on them, the men killed them for food. He ate some of them and said it tasted pretty much like young rabbit.
Sgt. Creekmore, who is 24, entered the service December 30, 1941 and went across in November, 1942. He won the Air Medal and two Clusters and also was awarded the Purple Heart for his wound.
A few years before he passed away Bill became wheelchair bound after several surgeries on his feet and legs due to the injuries he sustained from his frozen feet and legs during his imprisonment and march through the frozen forest of Germany. But even with the loss of both feet and legs below the knee he kept a smile on his face as he scooted around the house and up and down the front and back ramps to get out in the yard. He refused to be homebound but his wife and a neighbor panicked the day his wheelchair flipped and they found him lying in the steet at the end of the driveway when he went out to check the mailbox. But a few minutes later with the help of his wife and the neighbor he climbed back in the wheelchair and brought the mail into the house and laid it on the dining room table. He never gave up.
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