William McGovern – US Army, 1942-1945

Tyrone native and TAHS Class of 1940 grad William “Bill” Charles McGovern personified the ideals of the Greatest Generation. Like thousands of others, he served his country bravely, earning a Bronze Star and Purple Heart, but never once boasted about it.

“[My dad] did not talk much about his war experience. Like many from that era, he would say his war effort was his duty and not something to be bragged about,” according to his son Gary McGovern, who purchased the banner in his father’s honor.

McGovern served in World War II from 1942 to 1945 and as a member of the Third Army, 10th Armored Division under the command of George S. Patton. McGovern’s unit saw some of the most intense combat of the war in Europe.

Nicknamed the Tiger Division, McGovern’s division was active from 1942 until 1945. It was dubbed the Tigers to symbolize the men ‘clawing and mauling’ their way through the enemy. 

The 10th Armored Division entered France through the port of Cherbourg in September of 1944, just over a month after D-Day. After some training, McGovern’s unit left Teurtheville, France in October and moved to Mars-la-Tour, where they entered combat for the first time. 

They later participated in the capture of Metz. 

Following that fight, the 10th moved to the Siegfried Line and led the Third Army into Germany in November 1944. 

They then entered the Battle of the Bulge, a major turning point in the war. This battle was Hitler’s last major offensive attempt to disband the Allied powers. 

The battle lasted a brutal six weeks in the winter cold in the Ardennes Forest, from December 16, 1944 to January 25, 1945.

One of the major engagements during this battle, The Siege of Bastogne, was fought between the Tiger Division and the Germans. 

The 10th was attacked by the German Army but held their defensive position, without conceding any ground, until the 101st Airborne arrived after Christmas. 

McGovern was wounded during battle and in a staggering coincidence, the first doctor to attend to McGovern at the field hospital was his childhood friend and Tyrone native, Dick Stever. 

“That was the only story he liked to talk about,” said Gary McGovern, “That amazing coincidence was a story they both never forgot.”

Following the grueling battle, McGovern was honored with various awards.

He received the Bronze Star for his efforts in saving the life of a fellow soldier. The fourth highest ranking award in the US Army, the Bronze Star is awarded to members of the service who perform heroic service while in combat.

McGovern also was awarded the Purple Heart, a solemn distinction given to service members wounded or killed in battle. He received this award for being wounded in the Battle of the Bulge. 

After the war McGovern returned to Tyrone where he raised his family and worked at Chicago Rivet until retiring in 1985.

Although he kept his stories from the war silent, he was proud to be a veteran of the United States Army. 

“He was so proud of the accomplishments of the United States to end the reign of terror by the Hitler regime and, although he never said much openly, the accomplishments of the 10th armored division he was part of,” said his son, Gary McGovern. 

Gary hopes that by hanging the banners, the memories of these heroes will stay alive.

“In the times of war we have been honored to have a military that has put politics aside and fought for all of us as Americans. Because of the sacrifices, we are able to live in the greatest, and most generous nation on the earth,” said Gary McGovern.