Oral history interview of William Phelps. William C. (Bill) Phelps was drafted into WWII (1943-1945) in the Army Air Force, 835th Bomb Squadron, 486th Bomb Group, 3rd Division, 8th Air Force. He saw action in the European Theater, in Belgium, England, France, Germany, and Luxembourg. He was at Normandy, the Battle of the Bulge, Ardennes, and the Rhineland. The worst battle was that for Merseburg, Germany. He was a Staff Sergeant and served as a ball turret gunner. He also maintained and repaired gunnery. He received 4 Bronze Stars, an Air Medal, and a Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC).