William G. Dabney facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Garfield Dabney
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| Born | June 24, 1924 Roanoke, Virginia |
| Died | December 12, 2018 (aged 94) Roanoke, Virginia |
| Allegiance |  United States |
 United States Army |
320th Barrage Balloon Battalion |
 Corporal |
Corporal |
| Battles/wars | D-Day |
| Awards |  Legion of Honour - Knight (2009) |
| Spouse(s) | Beulah Mae Cardwell (maiden) |
William Garfield Dabney (born June 24, 1924 – died December 12, 2018) was an African-American soldier from Roanoke, Virginia. He bravely served in World War II. He received the French Legion of Honour award. This was for his important actions during the D-Day invasion of Normandy.
Mr. Dabney was the last known soldier from the 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion. This was the only all-black unit that landed on D-Day. He received his award on the 65th anniversary of D-Day.
Early Life
William Dabney was born in June 1924 in Altavista, Virginia. He was the youngest of nine children. His family lived on a farm near Altavista.
When he was 12 years old, his mother passed away. After this, he moved to Roanoke. He went to live with his great-aunt, Carretta Bailey.
World War II Service
William Dabney joined the U.S. Army on December 9, 1942. He was 18 years old and joined before finishing high school. He volunteered to serve his country.
He became a corporal in the 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion. This was a special unit made up of only African-American soldiers. It was the only all-black unit to take part in the D-Day landings. They landed on Omaha and Utah beaches.
The battalion used large balloons called barrage balloons. These balloons were attached to long cables. Their job was to protect soldiers on the beaches. If German planes flew too low, their wings or propellers could get caught in the cables. Explosives on the balloons would then destroy the aircraft. On D-Day, three German fighter planes were shot down by these balloons.
Life After the War
After World War II, Bill Dabney returned to Roanoke, Virginia. At that time, many parts of the United States still had segregation. This meant that people of different races were kept separate.
He finished high school and then studied electrical engineering. However, due to unfair treatment, he could not work as an electrical engineer. Instead, he became a carpet layer. He owned his own business for 40 years.
On December 22, 1951, he married Beulah Mae Cardwell. They had three sons together: Vincent, Michael, and Marlon.
In 2013, Mr. Dabney shared his life story. He gave an interview to The National WWII Museum. His story is available to watch and read online.
Passing Away
William Dabney passed away on December 12, 2018. He was 94 years old. He died in Roanoke, Virginia, his hometown. He is buried at Williams Memorial Park in Roanoke.
Honors and Awards
On June 5, 2009, William Dabney received a very special award. It was the 65th anniversary of D-Day. He was the last known survivor of the 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion.
He was made a Knight of the French Legion of Honour. This is one of France's highest awards. It recognized his brave service during World War II. The City of Roanoke, Virginia also gave him the key to the city. This was another way to honor his important contributions.
