William C. Montgomery was the son of Mr. and Mrs. James Montgomery, and graduated from Orangeville High School in 1912.  The following September he entered the Bloomsburg State Normal School, and while there was a member of the Philologian Literary Society, participated in their 1914 play, and belonged to the Y.M.C.A.  In the 1915 yearbook he was described as being a tall, sleek fellow with dark hair and an innocent look, and it was felt that one day he would be crowned with success.  Montgomery graduated on June 23, 1915 with a degree in the normal course.

     Following graduation he went to New York where he began his teaching career, married, and had at least one child.  His first job was for one year in Altmar, NY, and then he taught two years at Montauk on Long Island.  Montgomery was called up in June, 1918, and even though he could have claimed an exemption because of his family obligations, he chose instead to honor his country by going into the service.  He reported to Berwick on June 28, went first to Camp Lee, VA, and then on to France where he arrived on August 10.  He finally got into combat on in October and went "over the top," only to be wounded after advancing a short distance by a machine gun bullet below the hip.  He sent letters to his parents from field hospitals, stating that he was recovering as well as could be expected, and continually hoping he would soon be sent home.  But that did not happen until after he had died on February 26, 1919, from pneumonia and resulting complications from his infection.

     William Montgomery was survived by his parents, a brother and three sisters, in addition to his wife and child.  He did not have to go to war, but his desire to serve his country was too strong, and in the end he gave his life in doing what he felt was right.

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Updated 11/5/02