Born: November 5, 1922
Died: December 10, 1997
Campaigns Served: Iwo Jima (wounded)
Highest Rank Attained: Private
Decorations: Purple Heart
Private William Degen was a member of the 24th Replacement Draft attached to the Fourth Marine Division. He trained as an anti-tank gunner, and spent his first days on Iwo Jima unloading supplies from transport ships while dodging Japanese shells.
Casualties on the front lines meant that Marines were sent to rifle companies regardless of their specialty. Degen was assigned to Able Company, 24th Marines on February 24, 1945. He fought with them until being wounded and evacuated on March 7; Degen would not return to combat. His subsequent service is unknown.