William A. Richards was born on March 16, 1902, in Murphysboro, Jackson County, Illinois. He was the son of William A. Richards and Effie May Pate Richards. He served in the 93rd Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Group, Heavy, as a Master Sergeant during World War II.

After the fall of Bataan in the hands of the Japanese Army on April 9, 1942, MSgt Richards was one of the 10,000 to 12,000 Americans who were forced to march over 60 miles under brutal conditions, resulting in 1,000 to 5,000 deaths due to starvation, dehydration, and abuse. Survivors were sent to Camp O'Donnell, where dire conditions, including overcrowding, malnutrition, and disease, caused an additional 1,500 to 2,300 American deaths within weeks. Those who survived faced ongoing hardships, including transfers to other camps and forced labor, where many continued to suffer or die.

MSgt Richards was among the American soldiers who lost their lives in captivity on June 6, 1942. He is now buried in the Tower Grove Cemetery, Murphysboro, Jackson County, Illinois, USA.

Source of information: www.livescience.com