William Howard Cantrell
Service No.: O-268012
Ship Assignment: USS LST-531
ABMC Memorial Page: Click Here
Ensign William Howard Cantrell was a dedicated serviceman who honorably served in the U.S. Navy Reserve during World War II. Born on January 10, 1921, in Marion, Williamson County, Illinois, to Brice and Ada Mae Cantrell (née Pearce), William grew up in Ulysses, Grant County, Kansas. He pursued his education locally, achieving an H-4 grade before advancing to Friends University in Wichita, Kansas.
Military Service
Recorded as standing at 5ft 9in tall with a light complexion, blonde hair, and grey eyes, William registered for military service on February 16, 1942. He achieved the rank of Ensign and by April, 1944, was assigned to the landing ship tank LST-531. Ensign Cantrell played a role in Exercise Tiger, the crucial full-scale rehearsal for the Normandy landings.
Tragically, during the early hours of April 28, 1944, while navigating Lyme Bay as part of Convoy T-4, LST-531 was attacked by German E-boats. The assault led to the sinking of the ship and significant loss of life.
Ensign William Howard Cantrell was reported missing in action and later declared lost at sea at the young age of 23. Ensign Cantrell’s official date of death is 29 April 1945. He was not declared dead for one year plus one day. His sacrifice remains a solemn reminder of the bravery and commitment of those who served during the war.
Honours and Memorials
Ensign William H. Cantrell was awarded a Purple Heart, an American Campaign Medal, and an Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal.
Ensign William H. Cantrell’s name is inscribed in the American Roll of Honour book in the American Memorial Chapel Roll of Honour at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, and is commemorated on the Tablets of the Missing at the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial, Colleville-sur-Mer, Departement du Calvados, Basse-Normandie, France.
