Bill served in the Marine Corps during World War II. He landed at Peleliu with the 5th Marine Division. During the landing, Bill rescued four other Marines who had been dropped off the landing craft in water over their heads and were all in danger of drowning. Under heavy enemy fire, he helped get the four marines ashore. He was awarded the Bronze Star medal for this action.

A few days after landing on Peleliu, the Japanese would steal food, ammunition, and other supplies from the Marines while trying to avoid open firefights. His commanders ordered Marines to be posted on guard duty around their ammunition and supply stations to try and keep the thefts to a minimum. One night while alone on his guard post, he heard a patrol of Japanese approaching his position. He hit the ground in the grassy field to avoid detection. While lying there trying to keep quiet, he saw a crab walking towards him. Not wanting to give away his presence to the enemy, he tried to stab the crab with his bayonet, missing and making a noise in the process which alerted the enemy. The Japanese patrol started to move toward his position to investigate the noise when they saw the crab emerge from Bill's position. Attributing the sound they heard to the crab, they continued on their patrol of trying to steal from the Marines. Bill was never discovered, and a few minutes later continued his guard post.