A Brevard County World War II hero who fought on D-Day and in the Battle of the Bulge was honored Friday at a Melbourne Diner.
- Late WWII vet honored at Melbourne Diner
- Friends, family unveiled memorial for Williams “Bill” Ryan
- Ryan ate at diner every day in his later years
Command Sergeant Major Williams “Bill” Ryan passed away in 2015 at the age of 90.
Friends, family, and fellow soldiers gathered outside Eddie’s Sunrise Diner Friday to unveil a memorial in honor of the legendary soldier who ate at the diner every day in his later years.
Ryan served in the Merchant Marines, then enlisted in the US Army in 1943, and was among the first soldiers on Omaha Beach.
His daughter said the tribute was fitting for a man liked by so many.
“The fact that this has happened, the amount of people and the turnout, yeah he’s smiling down for sure,” said Ryan’s daughter, Correen Button.
The idea for the memorial came from local group Families of the Shield.
Fundraising efforts paid for the $9,000 memorial, which also features the names of other local Brevard County veterans.
