William Liles Jr

Private First Class William Liles Jr was killed in action on July 25, 1944 near St. Lo, France during World War II.  He was 27 years old.

William Liles Jr was born on February 5, 1917, the son of Johnnie Liles and Ada Liles.

PFC Liles enlisted in the U.S. Army on September 16, 1940 in Henderson, North Carolina.  He served in the 117th Infantry, 30th Division.

The 30th Infantry Division arrived in England on February 22, 1944, and trained until June. It landed at Omaha Beach, Normandy on June 15, 1944. Following the Invasion of Normandy, American forces began their advance toward Saint-Lô. Although progress was steady, it came at a high cost—an estimated 40,000 casualties for a gain of just 20 miles. Saint-Lô was the primary initial objective for the US forces due to its strategic importance as a crossroads.  The Saint-Lo objective was secured by July 19, 1944.

Having secured Saint-Lo as a base of operations.  The next objective of the U.S. forces was to break through German defenses and establish a corridor to advance into northeastern France. The initial assault commenced on  July 25, 1944 led by units of the U.S. VII Corps, including the 30th Division. Progress was slow on the first day, but opposition started to crumble once the defensive line had been broken. By July 27, most organized resistance had been overcome and the VII and VIII Corps advanced rapidly, isolating German troops in  the Cotentin Peninsula. PFC Liles was killed in action on July 25, 1944 in the initial assault by the 30th Division.      

Private First Class William Liles Jr is buried in the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial, at Colleville-sur-Mer,  Basse-Normandie, France. 

Last edited: 31 May 2026