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Author: Contribution
Surnames: Fiser, Huber, Medrano
Classification: military
Message Board URL:
http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.nevada.counties....
Message Board Post:
BOULDER CITY, NEVADA - William W. Fabanish, a true World War II hero, passed away Aug. 17,
2014, at the Nevada State Veterans Home.
He was born Feb. 14, 1925, in McDonald, Ohio to Theresa and James Fabanish, who were from
Youngstown, Ohio.
At the age of 18, Bill joined the U.S. Navy during World War II and was assigned to the
USS Frankin (CV 13), one of 24 Essex Class aircraft carriers. The Frankin supported the
battle for Iwo Jima, Guam, Rota and Palau Islands, and then it participated in the largest
Naval battle in the history of the world, the Battle for Leyte Gulf.
The Frankin was hit by a kamikaze-type plane, killing many shipmates.
On Oct. 30, two suicide bombers hit the Frankin, killing more Navy men.
On March 19, 1945, the Frankin was hit by two bombs. The damage was horrific, killing 807
of Bill's shipmates and wounding 487.
An explosion sent Bill into the cold ocean waters, where he struggled to stay alive.
Bill was rescued by another ship, the USS Santa Fe. Bill's Navy citations include The
Asiatic Pacific Medal (3 stars); The Victory Medal; American Area Medal; and the
Philippine Liberations Medal.
Bill is survived by his sisters, Jayne Damore of Canfield, Ohio and Betty Garback of
Austintown, Ohio; his two daughters, Darlene Mary Fiser and Nancy Sue Medrano; and four
grandsons and four granddaughters.
Preceding Bill in death were his wife of 61 years, Sara Morris, who was born in New
Buffalo, Ohio, (Mahoning County) and who passed away April 29, 2008; his parents; his
sister Barbara Hopper; and his brother, John Fabanish.
- See more at:
http://www.vindy.com/news/tributes/#sthash.ktTWjyr8.dpuf
Veteran
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