"Bill" Willis Charles Caperton served his country as a Rudder Ranger. He took part in the D-Day landings of the United States Army's 2nd Ranger Battalion. His U.S. Army Rangers stormed the beach at Pointe du Hoc and, under constant enemy fire, scaled 100-foot (30 meter) cliffs to reach and destroy German gun batteries. The battalion's casualty rate for this perilous mission was greater than 50 percent. Rudder's Rangers dug in and fought off German counter-attacks for two days until relieved. Rudder and his men helped to successfully establish a beachhead for the Allied forces. Unfortunately, "Bill" Willis Charles Caperton lost his life in service to his country on D-Day storming the beach of Normandy France with his battalion. Gina Renee Caperton Find A Grave - Willis "Bill" Caperton proposed marriage and became engaged before leaving for the war. His life ended before he could wed. He was first interred in France but was later moved to Cross Cemetery in Greenwood, Sebastian County, Arkansas. He was the son of Andrew Jackson Caperton and Vera Starnes Caperton of Greenwood, Arkansas. As noted in a document dated July 11, 1944 to Andrew Caperton, father of Willis C. Caperton, his remains were initially interred in the U.S. Military Cemetery at St. Laurent, plot Q, row 8, grave 147, prior to his final interment at Cross Cemtery, Greenwood, Sebastian county, Arkansas. St. Laurent Cemetery was established by the U.S. First Army on June 8, 1944 as the first American cemetery on European soil in World War II. HonorsState.Org Willis Charles Caperton was born August 21, 1921 in Arkoma, Okla. and died June 6, 1944 in Caen, France Caperton had the rank of Technician Fifth Grade. Service number assignment was 36610503. Attached to Company C, 2nd Ranger Battalion. He was awarded the Purple Heart for his service and sacrifice for his country.