Memorials › Col William Leonard "Bill" Beach

Col William Leonard "Bill" Beach

30 Jan 1921 – 9 Jul 2012

Birth30 Jan 1921
Death9 Jul 2012
CemeteryMiramar National Cemetery
San Diego , San Diego County , California , USA
Added byMs. Clyde on 08 Aug 2012
FaGhttps://www.findagrave.com/memorial/94698307

Bio

Col. William L. Beach, USMC, (Ret.) 01/30/1921 ~ 07/09/2012 OCEANSIDE -- William Beach was born in Westphalia, Texas, and graduated from high school in 1938. He attended the University of Georgia as a naval flight cadet in June 1942 and was commissioned a 2nd Lt. in the Marine Corps in August, 1943. From January, 1945 to the end of the war, Bill flew dive-bombers in the Marshall Islands, with the Marine Scout Bomber Squadron VMSB-231 against Japanese forces in the northern Pacific campaigns. After the war's end, he served in China with VMSB-244. Bill married Anita Jansing in Austin, Texas in 1946. He continued to serve as a pilot in the Marines at several postings in the US and overseas. He flew missions in Korea during the Korean War, including the famed Inchon invasion in 1950. In the late 1950s, stationed at the Pentagon, he served as Assistant Executive Officer to the US Representative to NATO, and later as the Military Assistant to the Treasurer of the United States. During the Vietnam War, Bill served as Division Air Officer for the 3rd Marine Division in South Vietnam from 1965-1966. He later served as commanding officer of MSWG-37 at MCAS El Toro. In 1969, Col. Beach became the Director of the 8th Marine Corps Recruiting District, based in New Orleans. Bill retired in 1973, after 31 years of honorable service. His medals and decorations include the Legion of Merit, the Navy Commendation Medal, and many others. After retiring from the Marines, Bill enjoyed a second career with Hargrove, Inc. of Lanham, Md., as Vice President, coordinating eight presidential inaugural parades, and 17 Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day parades. He served for Hargrove into his 80s. Bill and Anita would have celebrated their 66th anniversary this year, and lived in Oceanside, Calif., since 1992. They have five children, four of whom are living; eight grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Bill had seven siblings, four of whom are still living. He died at home, with family by his side, at the age of 91. A memorial service and USMC honor guard ceremony was held July 17, 2012, at Mission San Luis Rey, in Oceanside. His remains will be interred at Miramar National Cemetery. Sign the Guest Book online obits.nctimes.com

Inscription

COL USMC WORLD WAR II KOREA VIETNAM AIR MEDAL HUMBLE, KIND GENTLE MAN

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