MIMS, FLA. - William Ross Bowers died Sun., Aug. 4, 2013 at home in Fla., three months after the passing of his wife Ruth, the love of his life for 67 years. He was born in Crumpton, Md., to Ruth Lee Bowers and Austin Jenkins Bowers. William was a highly decorated soldier in the Army and made history by becoming part of the 509th Parachute Infantry Battalion. The 509th was the first to jump in combat in the history of the US forces during the North Africa Campaign of 1942. He fought with the French Zouvaes and the British Red Devils. They were awarded the "right" to wear the Red Beret and the first American unit to be awarded any foreign badge in WWII, 3rd Zouave from France. The 509th was the most decorated American parachute battalion of WWII. He fought in North Africa, Italy, France and the Ardennes. His last battle was at the Battle of the Bulge in Sadzot, Belgium. After the War he wed Ruth and they farmed until he was stricken with polio. He fought that battle and regained use of his limbs and lived a very active life. He retired from civil service at Dover Air Force Base and worked for British Columbia Forestry as a camp boss fighting forest fires. As a resident of Clayton he served as Fire Chief for five years. He instituted a Junior Membership program for boys ages 16-18. This program is still being carried out today. He was active in all his children's lives and coached little league for many years. He was also a member of the Military order of the Purple Heart. Mr. Bowers is survived by a brother Thomas Bowers of Smyrna; and a sister Doris Dunning of Clayton. He was the father of Robert (Lynn) Michael (MaryAnn) and Patricia (Jim). He was very proud of his grandchildren, Anna, Luke, Sarah, Joshua and Jennifer. He was the Great Grandfather of Alivia, Emma and Jackson. We would like to thank those that visited my parents and were there if there was a need, especially Michael Reed. A memorial service will be held at the Delaware Veterans Cemetery, Bear, Del., Sept. 16 at 1 p.m. Chaplain Blake Bowers, his nephew will preside over the service. Donations in his name can be made to Hospice of St. Francis, 1250-B Grumman Place Titusville, Fl 32780 or your local Hospice.