William C. Gutknecht was born on February 1, 1917. He was the son of Charles F. Gutknecht and Cleova M. Schneider Gutknecht. He attended Pittsburgh school and was graduated from Perrysville High School where he was chosen a member of the All-City Football team. He worked for the Duquesne Light Co. prior to entering the service. William served in the U.S. Army during World War II as a Staff Sergeant in the 1st Infantry Division. He died on June 6, 1944 during the invasion on Omaha Beach, France at the age of 27 and is now buried in Highwood Cemetery, Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, USA.