William H. “Shorty” Knowles was born on August 30, 1919, in Floyd County, Georgia. He was the son of Loranze Randy "L. R." Knowles Sr. and Annie Grace Collins Knowles. He was married to Frances Roberson Knowles. William served in the 565th Bomber Squadron, 389th Bomber Group, Heavy, as a Second Lieutenant during World War II. He also served as a Pilot of the B-24D-165-CO #4272866 or also known as ''Jackass Male''.

On April 1, 1944, his plane was assigned to bomb Ludwigshafen, Germany, but had a secondary mission to photograph the German V1 missile site at Siracourt, France. During this mission, the aircraft was struck by German anti-aircraft fire and crashed. Of the 11 crew members, only three survived including 2Lt knowles. He was captured in France and remained a prisoner of war at the Stalag XVII B prison camp in Krems, Austria, until liberated in May 1945. 2Lt Knowles died on July 29, 1953, and is now buried in the Pleasant Hope Cemetery, Rome, Floyd County, Georgia, USA. He was awarded the Air Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters and a Purple Heart.