Area Veteran Honored
Posted/updated on: October 26, 2016 at 10:28 amLONGVIEW – A resident of Buckner Westminster Place in Longview, Puett Willcox, was recognized Tuesday afternoon by Congressman Louie Gohmert. Willcox, who is believed to be the last prisoner of World War II remaining in East Texas, received nine awards. Wilcox was 17 days shy of his 20th birthday in May, 1944, when his B-24 was shot down over Austria. He was a ball turret gunner aboard the plane. He was captured by the Germans and declared a prisoner of War. He would be held captive for a year before being released. In a special ceremony, Wilcox was presented such awards as the Purple Heart, Prisoner of War Medal, A Korean War Service Medal, 5 bronze oak leaf clusters & 4 bronze service stars.