William Edward McCallister was born on May 6, 1918, in White County, Illinois. He was the son of William Odum McCallister and Julia Amy Beck McCallister.

William Edward resided in Washington County, Vermont prior to the war. He served in the 849th Bomber Squadron, 490th Bomber Group, Heavy, as a First Lieutenant and Pilot on the B-17 #43-38135 during World War II. He was Killed in Action on April 19, 1945, when his airplane was shot down by a jet enemy aircraft. His plane crashed in Marienburg, Germany, which resulted in the death of 7 men aboard while two men were taken as prisoners.

1Lt McCallister is now buried in the Ardennes American Cemetery, Neupré, Belgium.

B-17 #43-38135 crew:
1Lt William McCallister - Pilot (KIA)
Lt Glen Howard - Co-Pilot (POW)
2Lt Billy Swearengin - Navigator (KIA)
2Lt James Cook - Bombardier/Flight Engineer (KIA)
Sgt Roy Gripne - Right Waist Gunner (KIA)
Tsgt Sidney Iglitzen - Top Turret Gunner
Cpl Laurence Boekeloo - Ball Turret Gunner (KIA)
Cpl William Weales - Radio Operator (KIA)
Cpl Paul Webb - Tail Gunner (POW)