He Survived the Normandy Invasion. His Final Story Took Decades to Uncover.

William Randolph “Billy” Clatterbuck answered his country’s call during World War II and fought with the famed 9th Infantry Division through North Africa, Sicily, England, and France. He survived the D-Day invasion and endured weeks of combat before being mortally wounded in August 1944. Yet the greatest mystery surrounding his service was not where he fought—but how he died. For decades, his family searched for answers until new research finally helped piece together the story.

Born: September 6, 1923
Hometown: Orange County, Virginia
Parents: John Fletcher and Fera Mae Wash Clatterbuck
Branch: U.S. Army
Division: 9th Infantry Division
Conflict: World War II
Campaigns: North Africa, Sicily, Normandy
Date of Death: August 1944
Burial: Colleville-sur-Mer American Cemetery, France

Growing Up in Orange County

Known to family and friends simply as “Billy,” William Randolph Clatterbuck grew up near the railroad on old Route 20 in Orange County. He attended James Barbour High School and graduated in 1941 as part of the school’s final graduating class before it relocated.

As a teenager, Billy spent long days helping support his family. He cut pulpwood, worked at a Civilian Conservation Corps camp near Stanley, Virginia, and later found employment building pontoon boats at Shad and Company in Orange County. Those jobs demanded discipline, endurance, and determination—qualities that would later define his military service.

Answering the Call

Although two of Billy’s brothers were already serving in the military, he was the only one drafted.

He entered the U.S. Army on February 23, 1943, completed his training at Camp Wheeler, Georgia, and by May sailed for North Africa.

Assigned to the 9th Infantry Division, Billy quickly found himself moving with one of the Army’s most experienced combat divisions. After fighting in North Africa, he served in Sicily before transferring to England to prepare for one of the largest military operations in history.

Landing in Normandy

On June 6, 1944, Billy landed in Normandy as part of the D-Day invasion.

The 9th Infantry Division had already earned a formidable reputation in combat, and its soldiers were among the experienced troops helping establish the Allied foothold in France.

Only days after the invasion, Billy was seriously wounded. Though he survived his injuries and returned to duty, the fighting across France continued with relentless intensity.

A Mystery That Lasted for Decades

In August 1944, Billy’s family received devastating news that he had been killed.

For years, however, they believed he had died as the result of friendly fire involving an American bombing mission. According to later research, an Eighth Air Force bombing operation mistakenly struck U.S. troops during fighting in France, causing significant casualties.

As historians continued investigating wartime records, questions remained about whether Billy had actually been among those killed in that incident.

No definitive record has ever confirmed that friendly fire claimed his life.

Instead, evidence suggests his death occurred after that bombing, leaving the exact circumstances uncertain.

Rather than diminishing his sacrifice, the unanswered questions underscore the confusion and chaos that often surrounded combat during World War II.

Coming Home

Like thousands of American servicemen, Billy was initially buried overseas.

His remains were laid to rest at the Normandy American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer, where more than 9,300 Americans who died during the Normandy campaign are buried.

His family later considered bringing him home to Orange County but ultimately chose to leave him among the men with whom he served.

Today, Billy rests overlooking Omaha Beach, where generations of visitors continue to honor the sacrifice of those who fought to liberate Europe.

Legacy

William Randolph Clatterbuck’s story is about more than military service.

It is the story of a young man from Orange County who worked hard long before he wore a uniform, who crossed an ocean to fight for freedom, and whose family spent decades searching for answers after his death.

Research by historians and the Orange County Historical Society has helped preserve not only Billy’s memory but also the questions that remain—reminding us that history is sometimes incomplete, yet no less meaningful because of it.

Today, visitors can find his name among the thousands of white crosses at the Normandy American Cemetery, a lasting reminder of the price paid by one Orange County soldier in the fight to restore freedom to Europe.

FAQ
Who was William Randolph Clatterbuck?

William Randolph “Billy” Clatterbuck was an Orange County, Virginia native who served with the U.S. Army’s 9th Infantry Division during World War II. He fought in North Africa, Sicily, and France before being killed in August 1944.

Did William Clatterbuck survive D-Day?

Yes. Billy survived the Normandy landings on June 6, 1944, but was later killed during the campaign in France.

Where is William Clatterbuck buried?

He is buried at the Normandy American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer, France.

Was William Clatterbuck killed by friendly fire?

Research discussed in the Orange County Historical Society article notes that his family long believed this was the case, but no official record has confirmed it. The exact circumstances of his death remain uncertain.