Bill was born on 13 Aug 24 in Berwyn, MD. His father, a regular Army officer (Infantry), was stationed at Ft. Meade, MD, at the time. Bill graduated from Fayetteville High School, North Carolina, won a Presidential appointment, and joined the Class of ’46.
Bill recalled that the most important event in his cadet life was meeting Phyllis Vander Fehr. Jim Carbine recalled, “Phyllis worked in the Treasurer’s Office in Washington Hall. Those of us on the second floor in front of the 19th Division had many opportunities to observe her and, after we got to know her, we would yell ‘Hi’ out the window as she walked home from work each day. We thought we had a chance to date her and were disappointed when she started to drag Bill Yancey. It was love at first sight for both.” Bill played tackle on the famous Army football team of that era. He opted for flight training and pinned on the wings and bars of a second lieutenant, Army Air Corps at graduation. Bill and Phyllis were married at West Point on 5 Jun 46.
Some years ago, Bill wrote of his early assignments: “First assignment was Williams Field, AZ, for P-51 training. Then 20th Group (P-51s) at Shaw Field, SC. Transferred to Okinawa in 1948, flying P-80s. Rotated to the States in July 1950 to 334th Fighter Intercept Squadron at New Castle, DE. In November, the unit, equipped with F-86 Sabre jets, moved by aircraft carrier to Japan and ultimately to Korea to fight the MIGs. (Bill was credited with 1 1/2 air victories and won the DFC). Returned to the States in July 1951 to Selfridge AFB, MI. From Selfridge, we moved to the Air Force Academy, temporarily at Lowry AFB, Denver, CO.
One of Bill’s best friends, LTG Arnold Braswell ’48, USAF (Ret.), recalled Bill’s contributions to the Air Force Academy, “As the Air Officer Commanding a cadet squadron, and later a group, Bill helped establish the high standards of honor, esprit, commitment, and discipline that became woven into the fabric of the cadet wing. He guided the first classes of cadets, as OIC of the Cadet Honor Committee, toward development and acceptance of a strong honor code modeled after West Point’s.”
Bill continued, “In 1958, we moved to Europe where I was Operations Officer for the 32nd Fighter Squadron, flying F-100s and F-102s in Holland. From Holland followed the Armed Forces Staff College, Langley AFB, VA, Air War College, and the Pentagon. In 1968,1 was named Vice Commander of the Fighter Weapons Wing at Nellis AFB, NV and then moved to Myrtle Beach AFB, Myrtle Beach, SC, to become the 113th Tactical Fighter Wing Commander. Then went to Vietnam in 1969 to command the 31st Tactical Fighter Wing at Tuy Hoa (F-lOO’s). Returned to the States in 1970 to Air Force Plans in the Pentagon, promoted to brigadier general in 1972, and assigned to the J-5 Directorate of Joint Staff. Promoted to major general and assigned to USECOM in 1974. In 1976, I became Vice Commander, 16th Air Force, Torrejon Air Base, Madrid, Spain. Retired in 1978.”
Bill loved to tell of his retirement. At that time, classmate Lew Allen was Chief of Staff, USAF, and classmate Bill Evans was CINCUSAFE. So Lew Allen and Bill Evans came to Spain to retire Bill Yancey, then went to Ramstein, Germany, where Lew retired Bill Evans and all 3 flew back to the States.
After retirement, Bill and Phyllis became active in residential real estate. Bill also was an “enrolled agent” of the IRS and a lay Eucharistic minister at St. Rita’s Catholic Church.
Arnold Braswell wrote of the last phase of Bill’s life, “A good athlete, Bill enjoyed playing squash and tennis until he was afflicted in 1991 with a painful and puzzling illness, eventually diagnosed as rheumatoid arthritis. Though he suffered greatly for more than 4 years, he retained his sense of humor and his unquenchable spirit. Ultimately, the disease was a factor in his death, causing complications which prevented his successful recovery from surgery. He died on 31 Oct 95 at Andrews AFB, MD. He is survived by his wife Phyllis, son William III, daughters Mary Jo and Annette, and his twin sister Mary.”
Air Force classmate Bob Stewart wrote, “Bill’s tennis game pretty well reflected his tenacity and competitive drive. I’d have him scrambling and lunging in all directions, but somehow I’d end up on the short end of the score. He never quit.”
Another Air Force classmate, LTG (Ret.) Kenneth L. Tallman, wrote, “Through the years of his Air Force career and beyond in retirement, his outgoing personality, winning sense of humor, strong integrity, and sincere concern and compassion for his fellow man were the hallmarks of his life.” Finally, Arnold Braswell wrote, “He was one of those rare persons we all admire and would like to emulate—wise, compassionate, infinitely moral, and totally without ego. Perhaps his most admirable quality was that he always cared more for others than for himself. Bill epitomized the committed, caring leader which the Academy strives to develop. None of us who came to know and love this exceptional human being will ever forget him and we mourn his passing.” The Class of ’46 joins the family and friends of Bill Yancey to state proudly; “Well Done, Bill; Be Thou At Peace!”
Bill recalled that the most important event in his cadet life was meeting Phyllis Vander Fehr. Jim Carbine recalled, “Phyllis worked in the Treasurer’s Office in Washington Hall. Those of us on the second floor in front of the 19th Division had many opportunities to observe her and, after we got to know her, we would yell ‘Hi’ out the window as she walked home from work each day. We thought we had a chance to date her and were disappointed when she started to drag Bill Yancey. It was love at first sight for both.” Bill played tackle on the famous Army football team of that era. He opted for flight training and pinned on the wings and bars of a second lieutenant, Army Air Corps at graduation. Bill and Phyllis were married at West Point on 5 Jun 46.
Some years ago, Bill wrote of his early assignments: “First assignment was Williams Field, AZ, for P-51 training. Then 20th Group (P-51s) at Shaw Field, SC. Transferred to Okinawa in 1948, flying P-80s. Rotated to the States in July 1950 to 334th Fighter Intercept Squadron at New Castle, DE. In November, the unit, equipped with F-86 Sabre jets, moved by aircraft carrier to Japan and ultimately to Korea to fight the MIGs. (Bill was credited with 1 1/2 air victories and won the DFC). Returned to the States in July 1951 to Selfridge AFB, MI. From Selfridge, we moved to the Air Force Academy, temporarily at Lowry AFB, Denver, CO.
One of Bill’s best friends, LTG Arnold Braswell ’48, USAF (Ret.), recalled Bill’s contributions to the Air Force Academy, “As the Air Officer Commanding a cadet squadron, and later a group, Bill helped establish the high standards of honor, esprit, commitment, and discipline that became woven into the fabric of the cadet wing. He guided the first classes of cadets, as OIC of the Cadet Honor Committee, toward development and acceptance of a strong honor code modeled after West Point’s.”
Bill continued, “In 1958, we moved to Europe where I was Operations Officer for the 32nd Fighter Squadron, flying F-100s and F-102s in Holland. From Holland followed the Armed Forces Staff College, Langley AFB, VA, Air War College, and the Pentagon. In 1968,1 was named Vice Commander of the Fighter Weapons Wing at Nellis AFB, NV and then moved to Myrtle Beach AFB, Myrtle Beach, SC, to become the 113th Tactical Fighter Wing Commander. Then went to Vietnam in 1969 to command the 31st Tactical Fighter Wing at Tuy Hoa (F-lOO’s). Returned to the States in 1970 to Air Force Plans in the Pentagon, promoted to brigadier general in 1972, and assigned to the J-5 Directorate of Joint Staff. Promoted to major general and assigned to USECOM in 1974. In 1976, I became Vice Commander, 16th Air Force, Torrejon Air Base, Madrid, Spain. Retired in 1978.”
Bill loved to tell of his retirement. At that time, classmate Lew Allen was Chief of Staff, USAF, and classmate Bill Evans was CINCUSAFE. So Lew Allen and Bill Evans came to Spain to retire Bill Yancey, then went to Ramstein, Germany, where Lew retired Bill Evans and all 3 flew back to the States.
After retirement, Bill and Phyllis became active in residential real estate. Bill also was an “enrolled agent” of the IRS and a lay Eucharistic minister at St. Rita’s Catholic Church.
Arnold Braswell wrote of the last phase of Bill’s life, “A good athlete, Bill enjoyed playing squash and tennis until he was afflicted in 1991 with a painful and puzzling illness, eventually diagnosed as rheumatoid arthritis. Though he suffered greatly for more than 4 years, he retained his sense of humor and his unquenchable spirit. Ultimately, the disease was a factor in his death, causing complications which prevented his successful recovery from surgery. He died on 31 Oct 95 at Andrews AFB, MD. He is survived by his wife Phyllis, son William III, daughters Mary Jo and Annette, and his twin sister Mary.”
Air Force classmate Bob Stewart wrote, “Bill’s tennis game pretty well reflected his tenacity and competitive drive. I’d have him scrambling and lunging in all directions, but somehow I’d end up on the short end of the score. He never quit.”
Another Air Force classmate, LTG (Ret.) Kenneth L. Tallman, wrote, “Through the years of his Air Force career and beyond in retirement, his outgoing personality, winning sense of humor, strong integrity, and sincere concern and compassion for his fellow man were the hallmarks of his life.” Finally, Arnold Braswell wrote, “He was one of those rare persons we all admire and would like to emulate—wise, compassionate, infinitely moral, and totally without ego. Perhaps his most admirable quality was that he always cared more for others than for himself. Bill epitomized the committed, caring leader which the Academy strives to develop. None of us who came to know and love this exceptional human being will ever forget him and we mourn his passing.” The Class of ’46 joins the family and friends of Bill Yancey to state proudly; “Well Done, Bill; Be Thou At Peace!”
Bill was born on 13 Aug 24 in Berwyn, MD. His father, a regular Army officer (Infantry), was stationed at Ft. Meade, MD, at the time. Bill graduated from Fayetteville High School, North Carolina, won a Presidential appointment, and joined the Class of ’46.
Bill recalled that the most important event in his cadet life was meeting Phyllis Vander Fehr. Jim Carbine recalled, “Phyllis worked in the Treasurer’s Office in Washington Hall. Those of us on the second floor in front of the 19th Division had many opportunities to observe her and, after we got to know her, we would yell ‘Hi’ out the window as she walked home from work each day. We thought we had a chance to date her and were disappointed when she started to drag Bill Yancey. It was love at first sight for both.” Bill played tackle on the famous Army football team of that era. He opted for flight training and pinned on the wings and bars of a second lieutenant, Army Air Corps at graduation. Bill and Phyllis were married at West Point on 5 Jun 46.
Some years ago, Bill wrote of his early assignments: “First assignment was Williams Field, AZ, for P-51 training. Then 20th Group (P-51s) at Shaw Field, SC. Transferred to Okinawa in 1948, flying P-80s. Rotated to the States in July 1950 to 334th Fighter Intercept Squadron at New Castle, DE. In November, the unit, equipped with F-86 Sabre jets, moved by aircraft carrier to Japan and ultimately to Korea to fight the MIGs. (Bill was credited with 1 1/2 air victories and won the DFC). Returned to the States in July 1951 to Selfridge AFB, MI. From Selfridge, we moved to the Air Force Academy, temporarily at Lowry AFB, Denver, CO.
One of Bill’s best friends, LTG Arnold Braswell ’48, USAF (Ret.), recalled Bill’s contributions to the Air Force Academy, “As the Air Officer Commanding a cadet squadron, and later a group, Bill helped establish the high standards of honor, esprit, commitment, and discipline that became woven into the fabric of the cadet wing. He guided the first classes of cadets, as OIC of the Cadet Honor Committee, toward development and acceptance of a strong honor code modeled after West Point’s.”
Bill continued, “In 1958, we moved to Europe where I was Operations Officer for the 32nd Fighter Squadron, flying F-100s and F-102s in Holland. From Holland followed the Armed Forces Staff College, Langley AFB, VA, Air War College, and the Pentagon. In 1968,1 was named Vice Commander of the Fighter Weapons Wing at Nellis AFB, NV and then moved to Myrtle Beach AFB, Myrtle Beach, SC, to become the 113th Tactical Fighter Wing Commander. Then went to Vietnam in 1969 to command the 31st Tactical Fighter Wing at Tuy Hoa (F-lOO’s). Returned to the States in 1970 to Air Force Plans in the Pentagon, promoted to brigadier general in 1972, and assigned to the J-5 Directorate of Joint Staff. Promoted to major general and assigned to USECOM in 1974. In 1976, I became Vice Commander, 16th Air Force, Torrejon Air Base, Madrid, Spain. Retired in 1978.”
Bill loved to tell of his retirement. At that time, classmate Lew Allen was Chief of Staff, USAF, and classmate Bill Evans was CINCUSAFE. So Lew Allen and Bill Evans came to Spain to retire Bill Yancey, then went to Ramstein, Germany, where Lew retired Bill Evans and all 3 flew back to the States.
After retirement, Bill and Phyllis became active in residential real estate. Bill also was an “enrolled agent” of the IRS and a lay Eucharistic minister at St. Rita’s Catholic Church.
Arnold Braswell wrote of the last phase of Bill’s life, “A good athlete, Bill enjoyed playing squash and tennis until he was afflicted in 1991 with a painful and puzzling illness, eventually diagnosed as rheumatoid arthritis. Though he suffered greatly for more than 4 years, he retained his sense of humor and his unquenchable spirit. Ultimately, the disease was a factor in his death, causing complications which prevented his successful recovery from surgery. He died on 31 Oct 95 at Andrews AFB, MD. He is survived by his wife Phyllis, son William III, daughters Mary Jo and Annette, and his twin sister Mary.”
Air Force classmate Bob Stewart wrote, “Bill’s tennis game pretty well reflected his tenacity and competitive drive. I’d have him scrambling and lunging in all directions, but somehow I’d end up on the short end of the score. He never quit.”
Another Air Force classmate, LTG (Ret.) Kenneth L. Tallman, wrote, “Through the years of his Air Force career and beyond in retirement, his outgoing personality, winning sense of humor, strong integrity, and sincere concern and compassion for his fellow man were the hallmarks of his life.” Finally, Arnold Braswell wrote, “He was one of those rare persons we all admire and would like to emulate—wise, compassionate, infinitely moral, and totally without ego. Perhaps his most admirable quality was that he always cared more for others than for himself. Bill epitomized the committed, caring leader which the Academy strives to develop. None of us who came to know and love this exceptional human being will ever forget him and we mourn his passing.” The Class of ’46 joins the family and friends of Bill Yancey to state proudly; “Well Done, Bill; Be Thou At Peace!”
Bill recalled that the most important event in his cadet life was meeting Phyllis Vander Fehr. Jim Carbine recalled, “Phyllis worked in the Treasurer’s Office in Washington Hall. Those of us on the second floor in front of the 19th Division had many opportunities to observe her and, after we got to know her, we would yell ‘Hi’ out the window as she walked home from work each day. We thought we had a chance to date her and were disappointed when she started to drag Bill Yancey. It was love at first sight for both.” Bill played tackle on the famous Army football team of that era. He opted for flight training and pinned on the wings and bars of a second lieutenant, Army Air Corps at graduation. Bill and Phyllis were married at West Point on 5 Jun 46.
Some years ago, Bill wrote of his early assignments: “First assignment was Williams Field, AZ, for P-51 training. Then 20th Group (P-51s) at Shaw Field, SC. Transferred to Okinawa in 1948, flying P-80s. Rotated to the States in July 1950 to 334th Fighter Intercept Squadron at New Castle, DE. In November, the unit, equipped with F-86 Sabre jets, moved by aircraft carrier to Japan and ultimately to Korea to fight the MIGs. (Bill was credited with 1 1/2 air victories and won the DFC). Returned to the States in July 1951 to Selfridge AFB, MI. From Selfridge, we moved to the Air Force Academy, temporarily at Lowry AFB, Denver, CO.
One of Bill’s best friends, LTG Arnold Braswell ’48, USAF (Ret.), recalled Bill’s contributions to the Air Force Academy, “As the Air Officer Commanding a cadet squadron, and later a group, Bill helped establish the high standards of honor, esprit, commitment, and discipline that became woven into the fabric of the cadet wing. He guided the first classes of cadets, as OIC of the Cadet Honor Committee, toward development and acceptance of a strong honor code modeled after West Point’s.”
Bill continued, “In 1958, we moved to Europe where I was Operations Officer for the 32nd Fighter Squadron, flying F-100s and F-102s in Holland. From Holland followed the Armed Forces Staff College, Langley AFB, VA, Air War College, and the Pentagon. In 1968,1 was named Vice Commander of the Fighter Weapons Wing at Nellis AFB, NV and then moved to Myrtle Beach AFB, Myrtle Beach, SC, to become the 113th Tactical Fighter Wing Commander. Then went to Vietnam in 1969 to command the 31st Tactical Fighter Wing at Tuy Hoa (F-lOO’s). Returned to the States in 1970 to Air Force Plans in the Pentagon, promoted to brigadier general in 1972, and assigned to the J-5 Directorate of Joint Staff. Promoted to major general and assigned to USECOM in 1974. In 1976, I became Vice Commander, 16th Air Force, Torrejon Air Base, Madrid, Spain. Retired in 1978.”
Bill loved to tell of his retirement. At that time, classmate Lew Allen was Chief of Staff, USAF, and classmate Bill Evans was CINCUSAFE. So Lew Allen and Bill Evans came to Spain to retire Bill Yancey, then went to Ramstein, Germany, where Lew retired Bill Evans and all 3 flew back to the States.
After retirement, Bill and Phyllis became active in residential real estate. Bill also was an “enrolled agent” of the IRS and a lay Eucharistic minister at St. Rita’s Catholic Church.
Arnold Braswell wrote of the last phase of Bill’s life, “A good athlete, Bill enjoyed playing squash and tennis until he was afflicted in 1991 with a painful and puzzling illness, eventually diagnosed as rheumatoid arthritis. Though he suffered greatly for more than 4 years, he retained his sense of humor and his unquenchable spirit. Ultimately, the disease was a factor in his death, causing complications which prevented his successful recovery from surgery. He died on 31 Oct 95 at Andrews AFB, MD. He is survived by his wife Phyllis, son William III, daughters Mary Jo and Annette, and his twin sister Mary.”
Air Force classmate Bob Stewart wrote, “Bill’s tennis game pretty well reflected his tenacity and competitive drive. I’d have him scrambling and lunging in all directions, but somehow I’d end up on the short end of the score. He never quit.”
Another Air Force classmate, LTG (Ret.) Kenneth L. Tallman, wrote, “Through the years of his Air Force career and beyond in retirement, his outgoing personality, winning sense of humor, strong integrity, and sincere concern and compassion for his fellow man were the hallmarks of his life.” Finally, Arnold Braswell wrote, “He was one of those rare persons we all admire and would like to emulate—wise, compassionate, infinitely moral, and totally without ego. Perhaps his most admirable quality was that he always cared more for others than for himself. Bill epitomized the committed, caring leader which the Academy strives to develop. None of us who came to know and love this exceptional human being will ever forget him and we mourn his passing.” The Class of ’46 joins the family and friends of Bill Yancey to state proudly; “Well Done, Bill; Be Thou At Peace!”
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