Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
Battle of Bulge veteran honored
WEST CHESTER >> U.S. Senator Pat Toomey, the Chester County Commissioners, and Representative-elect Chrissy Houlahan commemorated the 74th anniversary of the Battle of Bulge by honoring the 110th Regimental Combat Team — 28th Division, Friday, at the Commissioner’s Board Room.
The 28th Division, which was — and is to this day — a Pennsylvania Army National Guard Unit, played a critical role in the Battle of the Bulge. Outnumbered and outgunned, the 28th Combat Team was part of an American front positioned at the Luxembourg border that held back the advances of nearly four German Divisions.
This effort delayed the Germans by nearly four day and al-
lowed American forces to maintain control of the city of Bastogne, Belgium — a key strategic position for the German’s offensive on the Western Front.
William Bull is a Spring City resident and was a member of the 28th Division during World War II. Bull, now 97 years old, enlisted in the Army at age 21 in 1943 and saw combat action in Europe at Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge.
He was honorably discharged from the Army in 1945, earning a Bronze Star, two Purple Hearts, a Combat Infantry Badge, and a French War Cross for his service.
Speakers who honored Bull and the 28th Division included: • U.S. Senator Toomey • The Chester County Commissioners — Michelle Kichline, Kathi Cozzone, and Terence Farrell
• Representative-elect Chrissy Houlahan
• Pennsylvania Army National Guard Colonel Eric Zimmerman, representing the Adjutant General of Pennsylvania and the 28th Division
• General Walter Lord (RET.), Former Deputy Commanding General 28th, Current President, Valley Forge Military Academy
• Sergeant Major Walter Zapotoczny (RET.), 28th Division historian, author of several books on WWII.
Bull was presented with a copy of the Congressional Record honoring the 110thRegional Combat Team — 28th Division, an American Flag that was flown over the U.S. Capitol, and a citation from the Chester County Commissioners.
Toomey said it was a real honor and a privilege to meet a man who served such an important role in such a decisive battle in World War II.
“Bull represents the best of a great generation,” Toomey said. “It was a really important part of our history.
“The United States liberated Western Europe in an epic war that profoundly changed the course of world history.”
Toomey said we should never forget those who fought.
“This is also a reminder of those people who made a huge sacrifice for a cause bigger than themselves.”