Decorated Army pilot in Vietnam and successful New England businessman died on January 4, 2003 and was inurred at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors on September 10, 2012. A native of New Bedford, Massachusetts at The Citadel. Bill was an honor student, varsity baseball player and member of Kilo Company. Upon graduation he was commissioned as a Signal Corps Officer and received his wings as an Army Aviator in 1963. He was one of the first Army helicopter pilots sent to Vietnam, flying over 200 missions on the UH-1 and AH-1 gunship with the UTT Helicopter Company from 1963-64; for his service he was awarded the Bronze Star and 10 Air Medals. After leaving active duty he worked for ShopRite Supermarkets eventually rising to Vice President, in 1975 he started Desmond Seafoods which became the largest purveyor of frozen seafood in the New York City metro area; he sold the company in 1989 and became Manager of the Trade Mart in Taunton, Massachusetts until forced to retire due to health problems caused by exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam. He was an avid sportsman who enjoyed golf and deep sea fishing, he was a member of the New York City Athletic Club. Survived by a sister Jacqueline Desmond of Vermont, sister Elizabeth Catalino of Los Angeles and numerous nieces and nephews. Tags: 1961
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