BETHALTO, Ill. — Bill Copeland, 99, revealed his remarkable journey as a World War II veteran to 5 On Your Side. He shared his stories from the same Bethalto, Illinois farm where his father instilled values of hard work and resilience.
Copeland has maintained those values throughout his life. He has used those teachings as a husband, father, friend, carpenter, and even in battle.
His neighbor, Mike Harman, said "When the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, plunging the U.S. into World War Two, he felt an unwavering resolve to join the fight. A year later, his call to duty arrived with his draft papers."
Copeland's path led him to the USS Ericsson, a destroyer patrolling and escorting other ships off the East Coast, playing a vital role in the war effort.
Destroyers, celebrated as the workhorses of World War II, demonstrated versatility with their anti-air and anti-surface capabilities while acting as guardians against the lurking threat of enemy submarines.
"We had submarine contacts, lots of nights and dropping depth charges. That's part of the war," Copeland said about his experiences guarding German submarine crew members captured when the Ericsson intercepted a trawler off the coast of France in 1944.
As the war in Europe concluded, Copeland and the USS Ericsson transitioned to the Pacific, earning the ship three well-deserved battle stars for their unwavering dedication.
Copeland's stories serve as a living tribute to the sacrifices made by all veterans, as his recent Honor Flight journey had great significance.
"His fear is that people have forgotten, but there are patriotic people who love this country and care about the sacrifices that were made for them," his son, Barry Copeland said.
When Copeland returned to civilian life with a friend, he went on an adventurous journey, even hitchhiking with a combined total of only $25.
Copeland also embarked on a career path that involved transforming timber into elegant tables and cabinets. As time passed, after doing the same work for 60 years his hands lost the ability to effectively craft.
He once attended a church service and pointed out the women, Edna, he would later marry to a friend. Their love story spanned 67 years. The had two children and many grandchildren.
In 2017, he endured another lost, bidding farewell to his wife after a prolonged illness.
"I've had a wonderful life. I really have," Copeland said.
