William Huff

William E. Huff was born on April 6, 1924, in Renick, West Virginia. After graduating from high school in 1943, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps to support the World War II effort. He began his service as a marksmanship instructor before volunteering for overseas duty, where he became a tail gunner on a PBM torpedo bomber flying missions in the Pacific.

Near the end of the war, Mr. Huff was assigned to the occupation force in Japan, where he flew low over Hiroshima and Nagasaki, witnessing the aftermath of the atomic bombings. He served with the 131st Squadron of the Second Air Wing and received a citation for completing 30 missions in 30 days. He was honorably discharged in March 1946 with the rank of Sergeant.

Using the GI Bill, Mr. Huff attended West Virginia University and later graduated from West Virginia Institute of Technology. He built a fulfilling life as a husband, father of four, educator, and community leader. He taught, raised cattle, constructed homes, and served on the local school board, once appearing on the same ballot as John F. Kennedy during a West Virginia election. As the associate superintendent of Greenbrier County Schools, he spearheaded efforts to consolidate smaller schools into two high schools, expanding opportunities for local students.

Among all his accomplishments, Mr. Huff took special pride in his Marine Corps service and being able to see all of his children receive a college education.