ZEPHYR HILLS, Fla. — William “Bill” Gilton, 87, of Zephyr Hills, born July 25, 1921 to the late Flora Gilton, passed Nov. 20, 2008.
Bill worked for the C&O Railroad before and after World War II. While a U.S. Marine, Bill earned several medals, including four Bronze Stars along with two Presidential Unit Citations for his efforts in Tarawa, Saipan, Tinian and Okinawa. Bill then went on to Nagasaki shortly after the atomic bomb was dropped from the U.S. bomber “Bockscar” after which the war ended.
In addition to his mother, Flora, he was preceded in death by his brothers, George Gilton, formerly of Kitts Hill and Jim Gilton, formerly of Ironton.
Surviving are a sister, Wilma Miller of Maryland; his brothers, Raymond “Bud” of Maryland, Malvern of Hamilton, Kenny of Michigan and Keith of Ironton. Bill was one of five brothers to serve his country during World War II and Korea.
A quote from Bill several years ago: “I was proud to have served my country as a U.S. Marine but not proud of what I had to do.”
Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Sunday, May 24 at Woodland Cemetery. Semper Fi.