EDISON — Sit down with William Enoch and he’ll tell you about his time in the U.S. Army during World War II.
Ken Durkin, quartermaster for the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Memorial Post 3117, said he has been on the receiving end of Enoch’s fascinating combat stories.
“I listened to Billy’s great stories about D-Day, which he participated in chasing and defeating the Germans across Europe and all the great wonderful things he did in the Ghost Army, which has been a subject of a number of PBS documentaries on TV,” Durkin said.
Durkin revealed that along with Enoch’s service, the 98-year-old has never missed a monthly post meeting.
“He’s a fantastic human being,” he said.
Council President Ajay Patil presented Enoch with a proclamation from the Township Council for his service on Aug. 22, when Township Clerk Cheryl Russomanno read the proclamation.
“Enoch was born in 1920 and answered his military duty call when he entered the U.S. Army in 1940,” she read. “He was assigned to the 23rd Headquarters Special Troops.”
In the Army, Enoch also served as a sergeant with 603rd Camouflage Platoon, the famed Ghost Soldiers, whose mission was to create dummy military vehicle weapons and air craft, to deceive the Germany Army during the war.
Shortly after D-Day on June 6, 1944, Enoch was among the many Allied forces, who engaged in enemy forces in a series of battles when they landed in Normandy, northern France and central Europe.
For his service, Enoch earned a Purple Heart, a Bronze Star and numerous medals.
Enoch is currently an Edison resident living in the home he had built for his wife, who passed away in 1989. He continued his father’s military legacy by serving in the armed forces.
Frank Aleck, commander for VFW Post 3117, thanked the council for Enoch’s recognition and recognizing all the veterans.
Enoch, who received a standing ovation, thanked the council for the opportunity to be before the council.
Council members said they were honored and privileged to recognize Enoch and thanked him for the sacrifices he made for the country.
“Listening to the resolution … there are so many impressive parts,” Councilman Robert Diehl said. “Serving in World War II cannot be understated … I don’t know how many people understand how pivotal that was for the world at the time. It was immensely important and we can’t thank you enough.”
Diehl said not only was Enoch’s military service impressive, but never missing a post meeting was also impressive.
“Not too many can share that credential,” he said.