William H Abel served in the U.S. Army, 168 Regiment, 34th Division (Cmd. Charles Wolcott Ryder). He served from June 24, 1942 until his death - April 29, 1943 – North Africa (Tunisia, Bizerte, Djoumine). William was killed in action during the Battle of Hill 609, on June 27, 1943. Hill 609 in northwestern Tunisia is known as Djebel Tahent. The battle was for control over the key strategic hill and its surrounding area between the American forces of the US II Corps and German units of the Afrika Korps. The victory came with heavy losses, but enabled the US 2nd Corps (Cmd. Omar Bradley) to take the town of Bizerte and route the Germans from the peninsula.