William Erna Ruth, Jr. was born 24 Sep 1920 in Fort Smith, Sebastian Co., Ar. to Wiliam Erna, Sr. & Elsie Simpkins Ruth. William enlisted in the US Army 9 Oct 1942. On his enlistment papers he states that he has completed 3 years of high school and his civil occupation is Semiskilled painter. He was employed at Ballmans Furniture Company. Pfc Ruth served with the 19 Inf 24 Div. After occupation duty in the Hollandia area, the 24th Division was assigned to X Corps of the Sixth United States Army in preparation for the invasion of the Philippines. On 20 October 1944, the division was paired with the 1st Cavalry Division within X Corps, and the two divisions made an assault landing at Leyte, initially encountering only light resistance. Following a defeat at sea on 26 October, the Japanese launched a large, uncoordinated counteroffensive against the Sixth Army. The 24th Division drove up the Leyte Valley, advanced to Jaro and captured Breakneck Ridge on 12 November 1944, in heavy fighting. Pfc. William E. Ruth died in action 18 Nov 1944. He was interred in the National Cemetery in Fort Smith, Ar on Sept 20, 1948.