William W. Meikle was born in Tacoma, Washington. He was the husband of Rose Alma Mack Tosto. He served in the 525th Bomb Squadron, 379th Bomber Group, as a Staff Sergeant and Tail Gunner of B-17 43-38272 nicknamed 'Thumper' during World War II.

On April 25, 1945, during a bombing mission over Pilsen, Czechoslovakia, two B-17 Flying Fortresses from the 379th Bomb Group—Seattle Sue (serial number 43-38178) and The Thumper (serial number 43-38272)—were tragically involved in a mid-air collision. Seattle Sue reportedly sustained damage to its left engine area or waist section, leading to losing control. While maneuvering, it struck The Thumper, causing catastrophic damage—particularly to The Thumper's tail, which was nearly torn off. Several crew members were killed in the collision, while others survived by parachuting to safety—some were captured and became prisoners of war, while the rest eventually returned to duty.

SSgt Meikle was Killed in Action and is now buried in the Fort Scott National Cemetery, Fort Scott, Bourbon County, Kansas, USA.

Source of information: b17flyingfortress.de/, www.americanairmuseum.com