Biography
Year at ISU: 1943
First Lieutenant William J. Caldwell Jr. was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on July 1, 1921 to William Caldwell and Stella Selacek.
William graduated from McKinley High School in 1939. He attended Iowa State College for two years and was a member of Phi Kappa Phi fraternity. He worked as a clerk for Wilson and Company.
William enlisted in the Army Air Corps in January, 1942 and took pre-flight training at Santa Ana, California, primary training at Thunderbird Field at Phoenix, Arizona and basic training at Maran. He was promoted to second lieutenant on February 6, 1943 and made first lieutenant in November, 1943 before being sent overseas that June.
While in England, he test-piloted new aircraft. On May 8, 1944, he received a letter of appreciation and commendation for his accurate knowledge for testing aircraft and the performance of his duties.
William perished in an airplane accident on June 19, 1944 at Letcomb Basett, England. He was buried at Brookwood Cemetery, Neocopolis, Surrey.
William was married to Lois N. Shroeder.