William Walter Naumann, Jr.

A World War II veteran, Lt Col Naumann served as the navigator of a B-17G Flying Fortress with the 15th Air Force, 483rd Bombardment Group (Heavy), 840th Squadron (“The Rum Hound”), based in Sterparone, Italy. From 1944 to 1945, he flew 35 combat missions. Fortunately, his original 10-man crew survived the war uninjured. He was its last surviving member. The 483rd, notable for flying the longest escorted bombing mission of the war, received two Distinctive Service citations.

Returning to the United States, he attended Union College in Schenectady, NY, graduating with a degree in Economics in 1949 and marrying in 1950. Over the years, he and his family lived in New York, Maryland, and Texas. He worked for two major insurance companies and retired from the Internal Revenue Service in 1990.

Lt Col Naumann was recalled to active duty for two years during the Korean War to train navigators. As a Reservist, he served several Active Duty tours during the Vietnam War, flying a C-141 Starlifter to deliver personnel and equipment to Southeast Asia. He retired from the Air Force Reserve in 1972.

He was a champion diver in high school and was an avid swimmer into his nineties. He regularly attended 483rd Bomb Group Association reunions and traveled extensively. Always a storyteller, he regaled his children and grandchildren with his military experiences.

Anne, his wife of 53 years, and their daughter, Teresa, preceded him in death. He is survived by sons William, John, and Robert; daughter Elizabeth; grandchildren Laura, Rachel, Sarah, Jordan, Theresa, Wyatt, and Gillian; and great-granddaughters Hannah and Luciana.

On July 21, 2022, a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Old Post Chapel on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Virginia, followed by interment with military honors in Arlington National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the American Cancer Society.