William F. Ammon was born in Downingtown, PA on April 15, 1927.  Bill was the 6th of 11 children of James A. Ammon, Sr. and Esther M. Hall Ammon.  He had 5 sisters and 5 brothers.  All 5 of his brothers served in the Armed Forces including a couple during World War II.

 The family moved numerous times.  Bill attended Scott High School in Coatesville.  He was a member of Olivet Methodist Church and was well known in Coatesville and the surrounding area.  He was also a member of the Coatesville YMCA.

Bill married Vivian Ann Robertson on December 30, 1944 at her parent's home on Parmer Avenue in Coatesville, PA.  Bill was employed by the Beach and  Arthur Paper Company in Modena when he was called into the service.

Bill was inducted into the U.S. Army on May 1, 1945.  He trained at New Cumberland, PA and at Camp Gordon, GA.  He was sent overseas on October 12 and was stationed in Italy with the 88th Infantry Division the entire time.

Bill was a Pvt. aged 18 at the time of his death in Cortina, Italy on December 24,1945.  He died from injuries sustained in a motor accident.  His wife received  the following telegram informing her of Bill's death:

"The Secretary of War has asked me to express his deep regret that your husband Pvt. Ammon, William F., died in Italy 24 December 45 as a result of a vehicle accident.  Confirming letter follows (Signed) E.F. Witsell, acting Adjutant General."

Bill was initially buried in the United States military cemetery at Mirandola, Italy. In February of 1949, his body was shipped to this country and transferred by train to Coatesville. Full military services for this 18 year old hero were held on February 20, 1949 at the Archie S. MacLean Funeral Home, then located on Pequea Ave. in Honey Brook, with interment at the Brandywine Manor Cemetery, just north of Downingtown on Rt. 322.