Bill Watkinson served as a radar night fighter pilot assigned the the USS Yorktown CV-10 during World War II and now, more than 70 years later, he visits the Yorktown often to volunteer his time and share his memories with museum guests. To honor his years of service both in the military and as a volunteer aboard the USS Yorktown, museum staff dedicated a bench in his honor yesterday.
As Executive Director Mac Burdette summarized, "Today we had the honor of dedicating the bench in front of the Hellcat, where Bill holds court several days a week even though he is 95 years old."
"Bill's Bench" is situated in front of the F-6F Hellcat on the hangar deck of the USS Yorktown. It was a Hellcat much like this one that Mr. Watkinson flew off the deck of the USS Yorktown CV-10 during World War II and he enjoys sitting in front of it as he greets guests and shares his memories as a military pilot.
Guests are known to gather, sometimes two and three rows deep, to listen to his stories and they are always amazed at his memories and his humble valor. Mr. Watkinson especially enjoys talking with young folks in the military as well as children who visit the USS Yorktown.
Soon, Mr. Watkinson will be leaving for his New Jersey farm where he likes to escape the hot summers of South Carolina, but he will return to Charleston and his volunteer duties at Patriots Point in the fall.
Burdette added, "If you are fortunate enough when you come to visit Patriots Point that he is on duty that day, I can promise you he will be not just entertaining and educational, but inspiring, too. So please come see Mr. Bill Watkinson, a special, special hero of the USS Yorktown."
Check out the gallery of photos below from the dedication:
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