William Franklin served in the U.S. Marine Corps as a First Lieutenant in Company E, 2nd Battalion, 29th Marines, 6th Marine Division during World War II. A Mortar Section Commander, he was killed on Okinawa Island on June 11, 1945 when a mine exploded during "mopping up" operations. He was awarded a Navy Cross Citation, which reads as follows: "The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant William O. Franklin (MCSN: 0-16839), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as a Mortar Section Commander attached to Company E, Second Battalion, Twenty-Ninth Marines, SIXTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 7 and 8 June 1945. Directing effective mortar fire from a bullet-swept exposed position to support his company's advance upon the tenaciously held Oruku Peninsula, First Lieutenant Franklin gallantly remained at his hazardous post despite a painful shoulder wound, until ordered to the aid station by his commanding officer. Following emergency treatment, he again returned to the front, carrying four demolition packs desperately needed to destroy strong hostile emplacements retarding the advance of his company and, resuming his perilous observation post, continued to adjust fire for the remainder of the day and night until ordered to the Division Field Hospital by his battalion surgeon. Undeterred by the pain of his wound, and determined to assist his officer-depleted company in the continuance of the attack, he voluntarily left the security of the hospital and made his way five miles back to the scene of action, arriving in time to deliver devastating preparatory fire which was instrumental in the success of the ensuing attack. First Lieutenant Franklin's great personal valor, tenacious perseverance, and indomitable fighting spirit served as an inspiration to his men and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."
